Will the US government avert a shutdown with a last-minute deal? Uncertainty looms as deadline nears
government shutdown, with the clock ticking down to a midnight deadline on Saturday for Congress to pass a new budget. The potential impasse has raised concerns about thousands of federal employees facing unpaid leave. Here's a closer look at the evolving situation and the efforts to strike a last-minute deal.
Congress Races Against Time
As the deadline for a government shutdown looms, the Senate is forging ahead with plans for a temporary funding agreement, while House Republicans are poised to oppose it. The Senate's proposal seeks to avert a shutdown by extending funding until November 17, providing Congress with more time to reach a consensus on a longer-term budget.
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy expressed optimism, stating, «I wake up every day optimistic,» when asked about the chances of a deal being reached. He added, «I'd say put your money on me. We will get this done.»
Increasing Uncertainty
Despite McCarthy's optimism, the likelihood of a government shutdown has grown as the Senate and House pursue contrasting funding plans. The Senate has secured bipartisan support for its short-term funding bill, but it faces staunch opposition in the House. At least nine hardline members of McCarthy's narrow Republican majority have refused to support any stopgap measure. They have even threatened to remove McCarthy as House Speaker if he relies on Democratic votes to pass a funding bill without their approval.
McCarthy has made it clear that he does not intend to bring the Senate's short-term funding bill to the House floor. This divergence in strategies between the two chambers complicates the path forward.
A Divided House
In the House, votes on short-term spending bills are expected on Friday, although
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