House Lawmakers Race Against Time to Avoid Government Shutdown Before Election Day

House lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Monday afternoon, facing a critical deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown before Election Day. Congress must pass a funding agreement by October 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Without a deal that passes both the Republican-controlled House and the Democrat-controlled Senate, thousands of federal employees could be furloughed, and many government programs could be temporarily closed.

House leaders proposed a plan on Sunday evening for a short-term extension of current funding, known as a continuing resolution (CR), through December 20. This would give lawmakers more time to negotiate a long-term funding deal for 2025.

Political Struggles and Proposed Solutions

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., rolled out the plan after a previous six-month CR failed to pass last week. That proposal included a controversial measure requiring proof of citizenship in voter registration, which was ultimately voted down with opposition from Republicans and Democrats.

The latest proposal excludes the election-related measure and allocates an additional $231 million in funding for the U.S. Secret Service. However, it does not include the increased Veterans Affairs funding and disaster aid Democrats sought.

Johnson’s plan faces challenges within his party. Several conservative lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction, viewing a clean CR as a loss. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a prominent member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, criticized fellow Republicans for rejecting the earlier CR, which he believed would have set the stage for more favorable negotiations next year.

What’s Next?

Johnson’s current CR proposal is not guaranteed to be a straightforward, clean extension. Some Republican lawmakers have indicated they might push to add additional provisions, such as Secret Service or disaster relief funding.

With Johnson’s narrow four-seat majority, it’s expected that Democratic support will be essential to pass any funding measure. As lawmakers enter the final week before the funding deadline, all eyes are on Capitol Hill to see if a last-minute deal can prevent a government shutdown.