Government Funding Set to Expire, Impasse in House Puts Government Shutdown on the Horizon
With the deadline for government funding expiration fast approaching on September 30, House Republicans are facing major obstacles in their efforts to pass spending bills. Despite holding the majority, they have been unable to launch debate on a defense spending bill for two weeks now.
In July, Republicans managed to pass one spending bill, but recently blocked their own procedural vote on a defense bill, creating further complications. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy remains determined to find a solution and has warned that he will keep members in Washington over the weekend to ensure a vote.
However, McCarthy needs a blend of Democrats and Republicans to keep the government open, as it seems to be the only solution to the impasse. As a result, he has allowed his own GOP members to fight it out among themselves to find a resolution. This has led to frustration among the larger Republican group, who believe that extreme voices are dictating the majority’s actions.
Some speculate that McCarthy may be using the current situation to build evidence of support for himself and prove his ability to handle opposition. However, if spending measures fail in the coming days, the Senate may assemble an interim spending bill, which would weaken McCarthy’s standing.
Lawmakers from both parties believe that a government shutdown is inevitable at this point, which raises concerns about the aftermath for Capitol Hill and for the Speaker. In the event of a shutdown, certain essential workers will continue working without pay, while national parks may close and workers may miss paychecks unless Congress approves back-pay.
Furthermore, there are additional implications to consider. Air safety could be affected, as seen during the 2018-2019 shutdown when air traffic controllers staged a “sickout.” There is also a possibility of a “motion to vacate the chair” or a vote of no confidence in McCarthy’s leadership, which could further delay government action.
It is important to note that the process of electing a new Speaker of the House could be lengthy, adding to the uncertainties surrounding the situation. The potential aftershocks of a government shutdown are still unknown, but one thing remains clear – the deadline looms and the impasse persists.
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