The looming threat of a government shutdown has intensified as the White House urges Congress to approve a four-month stopgap spending bill, extending until January 31st, 2026. This proposal, according to House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), aims to prevent a shutdown as the usual appropriations process for fiscal year 2026 remains stalled. The request for a longer-than-expected continuing resolution (CR) highlights the significant challenges facing lawmakers in reaching a consensus on a comprehensive spending plan.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) acknowledged the unusual circumstances, stating that the appropriations process hasn't functioned as intended for an extended period. He emphasized the potential harm of a shutdown, describing it as "dangerous and harmful to millions of Americans." While expressing openness to collaboration with Democrats, he stressed the need for responsible spending, particularly given the nation's high national debt. The onus, he suggested, rests on Democrats to prevent a shutdown.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) echoed concerns about a potential shutdown, but stressed that avoiding it requires Republicans to engage in genuine and meaningful negotiations. He warned that a rigid, uncompromising approach from Republicans would lead directly to a government shutdown.
Adding to the complexity is the recent decision by the Office of Management and Budget to withhold $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid through a "pocket rescission." This action, according to Representative DeLauro, presents a significant obstacle to reaching a bipartisan agreement. She views the proposed January 31st deadline as merely the first step in a larger plan to ultimately prevent government funding altogether.
The ongoing disagreement between Democrats and Republicans underscores the significant hurdles to passing a budget before the October 1st deadline. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Congress can find a compromise or if the nation faces a government shutdown.
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Originally published at: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/congress/2025/09/white-house-seeks-stopgap-bill-through-jan-31-to-avoid-government-shutdown/
