White House urges Congress for stopgap spending bill amidst government shutdown.
A Looming Government Shutdown: Will the Federal Government Run Out of Money?
The possibility of a government shutdown is becoming more imminent as the White House has requested Congress to approve a short-term funding measure. Without this measure, the federal government will run out of money by the end of September.
Last year, a massive $1.7 trillion omnibus funding bill kept the government running until the end of fiscal year 2023. However, this funding is about to expire, and Congress needs to find a solution to keep the government operational.
Instead of another omnibus measure, both the House and Senate have attempted to pass individual appropriation bills this year. Unfortunately, reaching a consensus has proven to be challenging.
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With just 11 legislative days left in the current fiscal year, time is running out. The White House has acknowledged the need for a short-term funding measure to prevent a shutdown. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has assured Congress that it will provide assistance to avoid any severe disruptions to government services during the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year.
While there has been some progress in building support for a stopgap measure, opposition remains. The House Freedom Caucus, a conservative wing within the House GOP, has expressed concerns about border security and certain policies within the Department of Defense and Department of Justice.
‘We Should Not Fear a Government Shutdown’
Lawmakers have acknowledged the challenges in reaching a consensus on funding the government. Some have even suggested that it may scare the American people before a solution is found. However, members of the House Freedom Caucus argue that Republicans should not fear a government shutdown and should use every available tool to push for spending cuts.
While opinions differ on the impact of a shutdown, it is clear that finding common ground is crucial. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have expressed their willingness to work towards a continuing resolution that would extend government funding for several months.
As the deadline approaches, the pressure is on to avoid the “same old status quo.” It remains to be seen whether Congress can come together and find a solution to keep the federal government running smoothly.
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