As members of Congress prepare to return to Capitol Hill, the focus will be on avoiding a government shutdown as federal agencies risk running out of money on September 30th. With just 13 days in session before the deadline, lawmakers are gearing up for a critical week ahead.
Upon their return, one of the primary tasks at hand will be to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded and operational. Both Democrats and Republicans are eager to avert a shutdown, especially given the proximity to the upcoming election.
However, a key point of contention remains the duration of the funding measure. Democrats are advocating for a short-term resolution that would extend funding until December, while Republicans are pushing for a longer extension through March of next year.
Additionally, negotiations will also involve agreeing on spending levels to support government operations. A separate issue that could complicate matters is the debate surrounding a non-citizen voting measure, which House Republicans are seeking to include in the funding discussions.
With the deadline looming on October 1st, lawmakers have a tight timeframe to reach consensus on these critical issues. The outcome of these deliberations will have significant implications for the functioning of the government and will set the tone for the weeks ahead.