As the clock ticks down, Congress faces a looming deadline to avert a government shutdown, with the end of the fiscal year on September 30 fast approaching. With the November elections on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the path to maintaining government operations is fraught with potential obstacles. Here’s a look at four critical issues that could complicate the efforts to keep the government running.
Here’s the 4 Reasons:
The Duration of the Continuing Resolution
A continuing resolution (CR) is a stopgap measure to fund the government temporarily and is currently backed by both parties to extend funding beyond the upcoming elections. However, disagreements persist over the duration of this CR. While some lawmakers see a short-term CR as a pragmatic step, others, particularly some Republicans optimistic about the upcoming presidential elections, advocate for extending the CR into the next year. This would delay more permanent funding decisions until after the potential change in administration, which they believe could influence the budget more favorably.
Controversial Legislation Attachments
The discussion around the CR has been further complicated by attempts to attach additional legislation, such as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which imposes stricter proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. This move is highly contentious and unlikely to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Including such measures could stall the funding process, as it adds a layer of political maneuvering and debate, narrowing the window for a clean resolution to fund the government.
Disagreements Over Spending Levels
Discontent over previously agreed spending levels continues to simmer among some conservatives who are dissatisfied with the outcomes of major bipartisan spending packages passed earlier this year. This group views the CR as a problematic perpetuation of these spending levels, preferring instead to address budget issues through regular appropriations bills. The conflict over whether to maintain, increase, or decrease spending complicates the passage of a straightforward CR, leading to potential standstills and delays.
Veterans Affairs Budget Shortfall
An urgent and pressing issue facing Congress is the $3 billion budget shortfall for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This shortfall threatens the timely distribution of benefits to millions of veterans. While there is bipartisan support to address this issue, the timing and method of funding remain uncertain. The possibility of including emergency funding in the CR is discussed, but with no firm decisions, the necessary support for veterans hangs in balance, adding another layer of urgency to the funding negotiations.
As Congress navigates these turbulent waters, the ability to collaborate and find common ground will be crucial. Each of these issues not only represents a logistical challenge but also reflects deeper political divisions that could either forge paths to compromise or deepen the deadlock. The coming weeks are critical, and the decisions made—or not made—could have far-reaching implications for the functioning of the government and for the constituents who depend on uninterrupted services and support.
