As midnight Saturday approaches, the US House of Representatives is rushing to cast a vote in a last-ditch attempt to prevent another government shutdown, marking what could be the fourth such shutdown in the past decade.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is endeavoring to broker a deal on a provisional 45-day resolution amidst opposition from within his own party’s hard-liners. The measure under consideration controversially omits aid to Ukraine, and it remains uncertain if it will garner enough support to pass.
Such a shutdown could disrupt a myriad of services, from air travel to the issuance of marriage licenses. A substantial number of government employees would face furlough without pay, and essential nutrition programs would be brought to a standstill. This turmoil stems from a revolt by a faction of hard-right Republicans in the House.
While Republicans narrowly control the House, Democrats hold a one-seat advantage in the Senate. This balance necessitates bipartisan cooperation for spending bills to reach President Joe Biden for approval. McCarthy’s proposed 45-day continuing resolution aims to fund federal agencies temporarily, but excludes the foreign aid for Ukraine that Democrats demand.
The conservative rebel faction has been forthright in their demand for significant spending cuts, including halting US financial support for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This group’s demands, amplified by former President Donald Trump online, have impeded McCarthy’s attempts to move the necessary legislation through the House.
Though McCarthy could potentially court Democrat votes, doing so might risk his leadership position, as the rebel faction may try to depose him. He has also resisted a short-term funding bill from the Senate which has robust bipartisan support, encompassing funds for both Ukraine and disaster aid.
McCarthy’s recent short-term funding proposal, emphasizing stringent border policies favored by hard-liners, was defeated with 21 Republican members opposing it. The Speaker has intimated that the only options are to choose between the House or Senate bills, or be held responsible for the shutdown. Rebel lawmakers, however, are resolute in their demands for a long-term bill that caters to their priorities.
Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, criticized McCarthy’s approach, urging him to abandon his attempts to satisfy Republican extremists. The White House has echoed Schumer’s sentiments.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the negative repercussions for American families and the economy if House Republicans fail to act responsibly. She cautioned that crucial government functions, from farm loans to infrastructure enhancements, would be compromised.
Government shutdowns occur when Congress cannot approve a specified portion of the federal budget by the start of the fiscal year on October 1. Consequently, come Monday, a vast number of non-essential federal workers will be without pay. The looming shutdown also threatens vital nutrition programs, potentially impacting millions.
A shutdown could also suspend operations of museums, national parks, research facilities, and health centers reliant on federal oversight or funding. Concurrently, there are concerns about how a shutdown might affect relief efforts during an active hurricane season.
Such budgetary conflicts, unique to the US, are viewed by many as evidence of the capital’s increasing dysfunction and partisan divides. The last major shutdown in 2019, lasting a record 34 days, resulted in an $11 billion loss in economic output.
