With a federal shutdown looming on Friday, congressional leaders are in a race against time to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running. Key sticking points include farm aid and disaster assistance, with bipartisan negotiations at a standstill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., faces a challenge in garnering enough Republican votes and will likely need Democratic support to move the bill forward. However, both parties are divided on critical funding issues.
Republicans, led by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., and Senate Agriculture Ranking Member John Boozman, R-Ariz., insist on adding farm assistance to the CR. They argue that failing to include this funding would devastate rural communities. “We intend to oppose any supplemental spending package that does not provide meaningful assistance to our farmers,” the lawmakers stated.
Disaster relief is another major obstacle. Democrats are pushing for President Joe Biden’s nearly $100 billion request for hurricane aid, while Republicans argue it’s fiscally irresponsible. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., has called the delay in providing disaster funding “unacceptable” and urged immediate action.
Congress previously passed a temporary CR in September, funding the government through December 20. The proposed new CR would extend funding only until March 2025. This sets the stage for the incoming Republican-led 119th Congress to tackle the federal budget, consider extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees — giving Republicans more leverage in shaping government spending.
As of Monday, lawmakers have yet to agree on overall spending levels, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown. With just days left, the pressure is mounting for Congress to reach a deal and avoid disruption to federal operations.
