Lawmakers return to the US Congress this Saturday without a clear path to resolve a dispute that appears destined to paralyze large swaths of the federal government, from national parks to financial regulation.
Infighting among Republicans who control the House of Representatives has brought the United States to the brink of its fourth partial shutdown in a decade, as the House has failed to pass legislation that would keep the government fully operational after the start of the fiscal year in October. 1st.
On the other side of the Capitol, the Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to table a temporary funding bill, but a final vote could take a few days.
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will not have the resources to do their jobs if both chambers do not send a spending bill to Democratic President Joe Biden to be signed into law by midnight Sunday local time (1:01 a.m. Brasilia).
Federal agencies have already drawn up detailed plans that outline which services should continue, such as airport screening and border patrol, and which should be stopped, such as scientific research and nutritional aid for 7 million poor mothers.
Most of the more than 4 million government employees would not receive pay regardless of whether they work or not.
The impasse comes just months after Congress brought the federal government to the brink of default on its $31.4 trillion debt. The drama has raised concerns on Wall Street, where ratings agency Moody’s warned it could damage U.S. creditworthiness.
Typically, Congress passes stopgap spending bills to buy more time to negotiate detailed legislation that outlines funding for federal programs.
This year, a group of Republicans blocked action in the House by pushing to limit immigration and cut spending below levels agreed to in the debt ceiling standoff.
On Friday, 21 Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting legislation reflecting those calls, saying the House should instead focus on passing detailed spending bills for the entire fiscal year, even if that would lead to a short-term shutdown .
That angered other Republicans, who said he wasted an opportunity to promote conservative policies.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
