Congress is facing a tight deadline to fund the government before the September 30 deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson is proposing to extend funding through March to avoid a shutdown. However, he is also pushing for a bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, a move strongly opposed by President Biden.
While the bill passed the House with mostly Republican support, it faces challenges in the Senate and could complicate the funding process. Senate Democrats and Republicans are reluctant to attach voting legislation to spending bills, fearing it could lead to a shutdown just before the election.
Lawmakers are aware of the potential consequences of a shutdown, including furloughs for federal employees, delays in government benefits, and closures of national parks. Air traffic controllers and border agents would continue working but passport applications and FAA training could be halted.
In the past, Congress has relied on continuing resolutions to avoid shutdowns, but with the added pressure of the upcoming election, finding a solution this time is crucial. Lawmakers are hoping to find a compromise that both sides can agree on to prevent a government shutdown and ensure the continued functioning of essential services.
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