The government is facing a possible shutdown before the Friday deadline: what does this mean?
21 december 2024 в 12:13
The government is facing a possible new shutdown as Congress works on securing federal funding until the midnight deadline on Friday.
Earlier on Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to pass a new temporary funding bill for federal operations and disaster relief. However, disagreements remain. The House rejected a short-term budget bill yesterday evening after Republican leaders abandoned a previous bipartisan agreement and made significant changes to satisfy President-elect Donald Trump, who is seeking an increase in the debt limit until the new year, as well as figures such as billionaire Elon Musk.
Here’s everything you need to know about how close the federal government is to a shutdown, what it is, why it’s happening, and more.
After a closed GOP meeting on Friday, Speaker Johnson said, «We will not have a government shutdown, and we will fulfill our commitments to our farmers who need help, to disaster victims across the country, and to ensure that our military and essential services and everyone who relies on the federal government for their pay will receive it for the holidays».
He also added that a vote on the new plan in the House is «very likely» later today and that House Republicans are «united».
However, he cannot pass the bill without Democrats, who still control the Senate, and with Joe Biden as president.
Senate Democrats called on Johnson to return to the bipartisan agreement that was disrupted by Trump and Musk.
«It's time to go back to the original agreement we had just a few days ago. It’s time for that. It’s time for the House to vote on our bipartisan CR [continuing resolution]», - Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday. «This is the fastest, simplest, and easiest way we can ensure the government stays open, providing critical emergency assistance to the American people».
What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass necessary legislation to fund federal government operations, or when the President refuses to sign such legislation.
Here are some key reasons why this happens:
Most federal agencies must suspend non-essential operations, close national parks, send employees on furlough, and halt services until a new funding agreement is reached. Essential services such as national security, law enforcement, and emergency medical assistance continue to operate, but many government activities are suspended.
During a furlough, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers are required to work without pay until the shutdown is resolved.
A prolonged shutdown can also slow economic growth, impact the stock market, and create uncertainty in both domestic and international markets.
Government shutdowns are not uncommon in U.S. history. Here are the most recent ones:
Earlier on Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to pass a new temporary funding bill for federal operations and disaster relief. However, disagreements remain. The House rejected a short-term budget bill yesterday evening after Republican leaders abandoned a previous bipartisan agreement and made significant changes to satisfy President-elect Donald Trump, who is seeking an increase in the debt limit until the new year, as well as figures such as billionaire Elon Musk.
Here’s everything you need to know about how close the federal government is to a shutdown, what it is, why it’s happening, and more.
After a closed GOP meeting on Friday, Speaker Johnson said, «We will not have a government shutdown, and we will fulfill our commitments to our farmers who need help, to disaster victims across the country, and to ensure that our military and essential services and everyone who relies on the federal government for their pay will receive it for the holidays».
He also added that a vote on the new plan in the House is «very likely» later today and that House Republicans are «united».
However, he cannot pass the bill without Democrats, who still control the Senate, and with Joe Biden as president.
Senate Democrats called on Johnson to return to the bipartisan agreement that was disrupted by Trump and Musk.
«It's time to go back to the original agreement we had just a few days ago. It’s time for that. It’s time for the House to vote on our bipartisan CR [continuing resolution]», - Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday. «This is the fastest, simplest, and easiest way we can ensure the government stays open, providing critical emergency assistance to the American people».
What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass necessary legislation to fund federal government operations, or when the President refuses to sign such legislation.
Here are some key reasons why this happens:
Most federal agencies must suspend non-essential operations, close national parks, send employees on furlough, and halt services until a new funding agreement is reached. Essential services such as national security, law enforcement, and emergency medical assistance continue to operate, but many government activities are suspended.
During a furlough, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers are required to work without pay until the shutdown is resolved.
A prolonged shutdown can also slow economic growth, impact the stock market, and create uncertainty in both domestic and international markets.
Government shutdowns are not uncommon in U.S. history. Here are the most recent ones:
© Artemenko Olga
