Lawmakers in Congress are confronting another federal funding deadline with no clear agreement on how to keep the government funded, raising the possibility of a government shutdown early next year.
Congress must pass a spending bill or a temporary funding measure before federal funding expires. Without action, a lapse in appropriations could halt operations for many federal agencies and furlough hundreds of thousands of government workers.
House and Senate leaders have debated competing proposals for continuing resolutions to extend funding while negotiations continue on full-year appropriations. House Republicans passed a short-term funding bill that would extend funding through November, but the Senate did not advance it. Senate Democrats have proposed an alternative extension that would include additional policy provisions, including changes to health care subsidies.
President Donald Trump and congressional leaders held discussions this week but reported no breakthrough that would resolve their differences. Trump administration officials said they remain committed to protecting federal spending priorities in any funding agreement. Democratic leaders said they would not support a funding measure that fails to address their concerns on key domestic programs.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said members will continue to negotiate with Republican colleagues. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House remains prepared to act on a funding package that can secure broad support.
Government shutdowns occur when Congress and the president fail to enact appropriations legislation before the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, as required by law. A shutdown forces federal agencies to curtail many operations and delays pay for federal employees until a funding deal is reached.
Federal agencies have published contingency plans outlining how essential services would continue and which functions would halt in the event of a funding lapse. Past shutdowns have disrupted programs from national parks to federal research grants and delayed services that millions of Americans rely on.
Both parties face pressure from constituencies and interest groups urging action to prevent a shutdown. Business associations, state officials and federal employee unions have called on Congress to reach an agreement to maintain government operations and avoid disruption.
Lawmakers return to Washington next week with less time before the deadline. If no agreement is reached, federal funding could lapse and trigger a shutdown that would affect a broad range of government activities.
