U.S. House Poised to Pass Fiscal 2021 Bill for Federal Agencies, Prevent Shutdown
The U.S. House of Representatives was on Wednesday set to pass a massive funding package that aims to prevent the type of shutdown three weeks ago that marked a nadir in President Donald Trump's tumultuous, embattled year in office. The legislative action follows weeks of intense negotiations and tit-for-tat political maneuvering, highlighting the continuing struggle by both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill to find common ground.
Background Information of the Funding Proposal
The pressure on Congress is rising, with time running out before the close of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, and a need for some kind of agreement to keep most of the federal government open. Agency budgets are due to run out Nov. 21, and a shutdown could have serious consequences, from stemming federal employee paychecks to shuttering critical government services or programs upon which hundreds of millions of Americans rely.
Finally, the funding package also includes some measures to keep the government running and pay for things that need paying for. Lawmakers have been struggling to find a way that respects the need for restraint while feeding the demands of all these interest groups and voters.
Key Provisions of the Package
It is anticipated that the spending package will feature a stop-gap funding measure, often called a continuing resolution (CR), to last into the new fiscal year. That would give lawmakers until March to work on wider-ranging spending legislation.
The package is also expected to include emergency money for disaster relief and inertia military activities, especially given recent natural disasters and ongoing geopolitical tensions. These help[ers] are designed to appeal across the aisle, as they answer immediate necessities without undermining the legislation's basic structure.
Political Dynamics
It has proved to be a difficult road to passage of the funding package. Democrats and Republicans have splits of their own to manage; the former face an internal struggle over what to prioritize, as well do many in the GOP. Some progressive Democrats have called for increased social programs, while some conservatives have argued that there should be cuts in discretionary spending.
While the parties have many differences, the leaders of both are quietly working to find a middle ground. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy kept urging lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to put aside their differences for the good of the nation. At the same time, Democratic leaders have indicated that they are willing to sit down and discuss a continuing resolution process to avoid a shutdown.
What Happens if the Government Shuts Down?
The ramifications of a government shutdown are great Federal workers would be furloughed, key services could be delayed, and there could be a hitch in the economy. Shutdowns in the past proved crippling to public confidence in government and suggested an economy sitting on pins and needles when legislative gridlock extends for any length of time.
Moreover, a shutdown could add to already difficult situations like inflation and supply chain problems thereby making life even more complicated as the country continues its long recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The runs are made even more high-stakes by the looming midterm elections, as both parties aim to prove themselves up to the task of ruling.
Next Steps
With the House set to vote on the spending package, focus will soon shift to the Senate, where that piece of legislation would also need approval before it is sent to President. Senate leaders have so far endorsed the package, but it is unclear when would it be approved.
Over the next few days, lawmakers will have a series of final discussions and negotiations, ultimately to reach an agreement on the funding package to keep the government open. Registered voters, however, will decide whether this bill or the others like will be able to pass and which ones fail in battle begging the question of what might we possibly have come up with after WWII had only democrats voted.
Conclusion
The passage of the government funding package is key to preventing a holiday-season government shutdown, which was once seen as a real possibility. After the US Capitol attack, bargaining between the lines of a highly divided congress hall has reached new complexity and lawmakers have become more strongly convinced than they ever were before that cooperation is all required. The repercussions of a shutdown are more far-reaching than mere fiscal problems today and shake public faith in government at all levels causing just an undercurrent of economic uncertainty. Late night or not, the eyes of the country will be on Capitol Hill where the future of government funding is heading toward a showdown.
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