The United States federal government faces a potential shutdown this morning, with just hours remaining before the midnight deadline.
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are working against the clock to pass a funding bill that would keep federal agencies operational and prevent widespread disruptions to government services. The situation remains in limbo as Congress and the White House attempt to reach a last-minute agreement.
The current continuing resolution, which has been temporarily funding the government since Dec. 20, is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. tonight. If no new legislation is passed, this would mark the second government shutdown under President Donald Trump’s presidency, with the first occurring during his first term.
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed a six-month funding measure that would extend government operations through Sept. 30. However, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where it would require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. With Republicans holding a majority in the Senate, they still need at least eight Democrats to join them in supporting the measure.
In a notable development, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer announced yesterday that he would vote in favor of advancing the GOP-led funding bill. This reversal from his earlier stance could potentially pave the way for progress in negotiations. He saud he has enough Democratic support to push through the measure, which is supported by most — if not all — Republicans in the Senate.
“I believe it is my job to make the best choice for the country,” said Schumer. “I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down.”
If a government shutdown does occur, its impact would be far-reaching. Approximately 900,000 federal employees would be furloughed without pay, while more than 1.4 million essential workers, such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers, would be required to continue working without immediate compensation. National parks and museums could face closure, and delays in various government services, such as food inspections and immigration hearings, are also expected.
Despite these potential consequences, some experts like Florida State University professor Wayne Hochwarter believe that any shutdown would likely be short-lived.
“It won’t go on for long,” he said. “It just can’t.”
Trump has placed blame for the potential shutdown on congressional Democrats, stating that their opposition to the funding bill is responsible for bringing the government to this point.
“If it closes, it’s purely on the Democrats,” he remarked earlier this week.
