UPDATE 2:
The Senate has passed the stop-gap measure 81-14. The bill will now go to the White House for President Trump’s signature.
The stop-gap measure will extend the current continuing resolution (CR) until December 22, 2017. Hopefully the threat of another shutdown will not occur before the holidays.
UPDATE 1:
The House passed a stop-gap measure 235-193 today. The bill will now go to the Senate, where it is likely to be cleared – preventing a government shutdown.
Another federal government shutdown is looming. Congress and the President have until midnight on Friday, December 8, 2017, to either pass a long term spending package or a short term stop-gap measure to keep the government operational.
How Did We Get Here?
The last threat of government shutdown was on September 30th. Congress approved a last minute stop-gap spending measure (…ahem kicked the can down the road) to fund the government until December 8th. The public was told this extension was to give Congress more time to discuss. Several months later, another shutdown may occur and little has been decided on.
Last week, the risk of a government shutdown was heightened. President Trump tweeted how he did not see a deal with Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Shortly after his tweet, both Pelosi and Schumer abruptly canceled their meeting with him. Thus, stalling efforts to compromise between the two political parties.
Then there is speculation that President Trump wants a government shutdown. According to the Washington Post, President Trump allegedly told confidants that a government shutdown might be good for him. Claiming a hardline approach to the Democrats could invigorate his supporters.
Meeting with “Chuck and Nancy” today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don’t see a deal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2017
The Policies At Stake
There are multiple programs and policies at stake: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA),Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the border wall, disaster relief, etc.
Immigration is the most contentious issue. On September 5th, the Trump administration announced plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA protects about 800,000 children of illegal immigrants from deportation. Democrats want to include permanent legislation on DACA this month, while Republicans want to wait.
Compromise from both parties is required. If a compromise isn’t made, then a federal government shutdown this Friday would be imminent. The last government shutdown lasted 17 days in 2013 and the public was outrage. Lawmakers have claimed a shutdown will not occur as they hope to pass a two week extension to fund the government through December 22. But anything is possible. So prepare now.
We plan to keep this post updated with any news regarding a federal shutdown. Stay tuned.