Republicans Push to Avoid Government Shutdown, Face Challenges in Congress
(Adapted from a Reuters report)
U.S. lawmakers are working this week to pass a bill to fund the government and prevent a partial shutdown that could start on Saturday.
The Republican-led House of Representatives is trying to unite around a plan to keep the government running at current spending levels until September 30, the end of the fiscal year.
According to Reuters, House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to pass the bill by Tuesday, but it faces opposition from Democrats and some hardline Republicans.
President Donald Trump has backed the bill, which aims to fund key government functions like law enforcement and air traffic control.
However, Democrats argue the bill cuts important social programs and gives Trump too much power to move money around. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said his party cannot support the bill, calling it harmful to programs that help Americans.
Despite the opposition, some Senate Democrats have said they might support the bill to avoid a shutdown, which they see as unnecessary chaos.
Reuters reports that the bill increases defense spending by 6billionbutcutsnon−defensespendingby6billionbutcutsnon−defensespendingby13 billion. It also keeps a freeze on $20 billion for the IRS, which was part of a previous agreement.
The stakes are high. If the government shuts down, it could disrupt services and hurt the economy. The last shutdown, during Trump’s first term, lasted 35 days and caused widespread problems.
Lawmakers also face a bigger challenge later this year when they must raise the debt ceiling to avoid a catastrophic default on U.S. debt.
Hardline Republicans, who have previously blocked funding bills, are now more willing to support this one because of Trump’s endorsement.
Representative Andy Harris, a conservative leader, said he fully supports the bill because it aligns with Trump’s agenda. Similarly, Representative Victoria Spartz told Reuters she backs the bill, saying there’s no time for alternatives.
If the bill passes the House, it will go to the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. At least seven Democrats will need to support it for it to pass. Some Senate Democrats, like John Fetterman and Ron Wyden, have signaled they might vote for the bill to avoid a shutdown.
However, others, like Senator Elissa Slotkin, are hesitant, saying the bill doesn’t ensure money will be spent as Congress intended.
As the deadline approaches, the pressure is on to avoid a shutdown. Reuters highlights that this is just the first of many challenges Congress will face this year, with the debt ceiling debate looming.
The outcome will depend on whether Republicans and Democrats can find common ground to keep the government running.
Credit: Reuters