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| A view of the US Capitol building in Washington, US, April 4, 2025. — Reuters |
Congress Faces One-Month Deadline to Prevent U.S. Government Shutdown
Congress Faces One-Month Deadline
to Avert Government Shutdown Amid Deep Partisan Divide
With federal funding set to expire
on September 30, 2025, U.S. Congress has one month to avoid a government
shutdown. Partisan battles over rescissions, healthcare, and budget cuts
complicate prospects for resolution.
A view of
the US Capitol building in Washington, US, April 4, 2025. — ReutersThe US
Congress resumes on Tuesday, under pressure to approve funding within weeks to
avert another government shutdown.The chamber's bitter partisan divides have
hardened in the first year of President Donald...
As September unfolds, Congress has returned to a Capitol clouded with urgency: the government funding clock is ticking, and there's less than one month left to prevent a shutdown. The federal fiscal year ends on September 30, and lawmakers have yet to agree on funding—all while partisan tensions continue to deepen.
The High-Stakes Countdown
Congress must pass appropriations—for around $1.8
trillion in discretionary funding—to avoid a government shutdown. History
tells us that failure to do so by the fiscal year deadline typically leads to
partial shutdowns, where non-essential services halt and many federal workers
face furloughs—and emotional strain.
Currently, Republicans hold narrow majorities in both
chambers. However, the Senate requires 60 votes to overcome procedural
hurdles, meaning bipartisan negotiation is unavoidable.
Political Tensions and Legislative
Roadblocks
Partisan conflicts are not new—but this year, they’ve
intensified. Democrats are upset over unilateral funding cuts made by President
Trump—rescinding nearly $5 billion previously approved by Congress is a
flashpoint that has eroded trust.
Further complicating matters: the debate over Medicaid,
subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, and defunding parts of the Inflation
Reduction Act. Democrats are insisting on policy concessions in exchange for
their support, while Republicans are split internally on priorities like
earmarks, appropriations structure, and whether they favor a short-term
continuing resolution or year-long bill.
What’s at Risk If a Shutdown
Happens?
Widespread disruption. Federal workers face furloughs and
missed pay. Parks may close. Agencies like the SEC may pause IPOs. SNAP
benefits could falter if funding gaps exceed 30 days. But programs like Social
Security and Medicare remain funded during short shutdowns—though economic
distress still looms.
However, these disruptions are not only financial—they’re
deeply human. Families strain under income uncertainty. Small businesses face
delayed federal contracts. Travelers face airport service disruptions due to
furloughed TSA workers.
A Glimpse of History—and a Call to
Action
Congress has history with shutdowns, including the
record-breaking 35-day shutdown in 2018–19, which furloughed hundreds of
thousands of public workers and cost billions. Past shutdowns have also caused
interruptions in critical services like food stamps, tax processing, and
economic growth.
Political blame games have become the norm, but this year,
Democrats may use the impending shutdown as leverage. Leader Chuck Schumer
has framed the fight as part of a fight over whether the legislative branch
retains authority. Senator Elizabeth Warren added her voice: “If you
want my vote… restore healthcare for 10 million Americans.”
What Comes Next?
With less than a month remaining, Congress is expected to
pass a continuing resolution—a temporary measure maintaining current
funding levels. But even that may prove difficult without concessions or
bipartisan goodwill.
Democratic leaders have called for “Big Four” talks in search of common ground, while Republicans scramble to align internal factions and manage conflicting priorities.