As the government shutdown enters its 22nd day, it is becoming clear that Washington is facing unprecedented funding challenges. With no resolution in sight, congressional leaders are grappling with the consequences of the current crisis and what could potentially extend this funding standoff.
Senate Votes and Proposals Amid the Shutdown
The Senate is set to vote for the twelfth time on a continuing resolution (CR) that was passed by the House, slated for November 21. Previous votes have yielded no progress, and Senators like Jeff Merkley have been vocal in their protest against the current administration’s policies, speaking continuously for nearly 11 hours.
Additionally, Senator Ron Johnson’s proposal aims to guarantee pay for military service members and certain federal employees required to work during the shutdown. However, this measure faces opposition from Democrats, who argue it fails to address the needs of furloughed employees. Democrats plan to introduce their own bill focusing on these workers and extending assistance, although it appears unlikely to advance.
The Effects of the Shutdown on Federal Workers
- Federal employees are expected to miss their paychecks on October 24 as the shutdown deepens.
- This shutdown has been described as an unprecedented full-government shutdown.
- Concerns grow as federal workers face extended financial uncertainty.
Challenges for Funding Proposals
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing for full-year funding bills, but his efforts are facing significant obstacles. Democrats recently blocked a full-year funding bill for the Pentagon, while some Republicans are stalling on three additional funding measures regarding military construction, agriculture, and the legislative branch.
Thune has suggested that the House should reconvene to pass a new CR, recognizing the difficulty of passing multiple funding bills before the November 21 deadline. Complicating matters is the pending expiration of the Obamacare premium subsidies, which adds pressure to find a resolution.
Complications in Bipartisan Funding Efforts
Currently, there is skepticism among GOP appropriators regarding the feasibility of a bipartisan solution. Senator Thune emphasized the urgency of resuming normal appropriations processes to prevent worse alternatives from materializing.
Speaker Mike Johnson faces considerable challenges from within his party regarding the approval of individual spending measures agreed upon with the Senate, as these proposals exceed the spending levels desired by House Republicans by tens of billions of dollars. Furthermore, a year-long CR would eliminate earmarks, placing Senator Susan Collins in a difficult position as she approaches reelection.
Trust Issues Between Parties
The trust deficit between the two parties has significantly worsened in recent weeks, complicating collaborative efforts. Despite a bipartisan desire to prevent further budgetary crises, lawmakers are struggling to align on funding levels for fiscal year 2026.
- Senator Brian Schatz highlighted the need for the House to be active in resolving these issues, noting they have only worked 11 out of the last 90 days.
- Senator Chris Murphy pointed out that Congress has historically extended funding measures into the new year, indicating hope that a year-long CR might not be inevitable.
The looming funding challenges extend not just to immediate financial concerns, but to the broader implications these decisions have on government stability and public trust. As Washington navigates these difficult waters, the focus must remain on finding a path forward that prioritizes the needs of federal workers and the functionality of government.
