8 months ago
Congress Faces January Shutdown Deadline
Congress has a deadline coming up on January 30 to pass a spending package to avoid a government shutdown.
They are having trouble agreeing on how to spend money, and some people in Congress want to use this deadline to get what they want.
Democrats and Republicans are trying to work together, but there are still big disagreements.
A recent shutdown caused problems for many families, and some people think Congress should learn from this and find a better way to handle budgets.
One idea is to have a two-year budget cycle to make things less stressful.
Right now, it's not clear if they will be able to make a deal in time.
Congress faces a January 30 deadline to pass a spending package and avoid a government shutdown.
Both chambers are behind schedule on full-year funding bills for 2026, with key disagreements remaining.
Democrats are trying to work with Republicans but some may use the deadline as leverage for other issues.
A recent shutdown caused problems, including the suspension of SNAP benefits, leaving families panicked.
Some suggest a two-year budget cycle with automatic funding to restore sanity to the legislative process.
- Who
- Congress, including House and Senate members, and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.)
- What
- Potential government shutdown due to funding deadline
- Where
- United States Congress
- When
- January 30, 2024
- Why
- Disagreements on spending and key issues, with both chambers behind schedule on full-year funding bills for 2026
Key facts
- Deadline
- January 30, 2024
- Current Speaker of the House
- Mike Johnson (R-La.)
- Senate Minority Leader
- Chuck Schumer (N.Y.)
- Recent Shutdown Duration
- 43 days
- SNAP Benefits Suspension Impact
- Families panicked and scrambled
- Proposed Budget Cycle Fix
- Two-year budget cycle with automatic funding
- Democratic Votes Needed for Senate Bills
- 7
- Senator Keeping Options Open
- Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
Quotes
Scott Minkoff and Josh Ryan
Authors at The Hill
“Government shutdowns are a relatively recent phenomenon created by a broken political environment.”
theweek.com
“Shutdowns also disincentivize thoughtful lawmaking in favor of a warped legislative process.”
theweek.com
The Boston Herald editorial board
Editorial board of The Boston Herald
“Congress has learned nothing.”
theweek.com
“Lawmakers should have learned from the recent shutdown the level of pain it inflicted on the American people.”
theweek.com
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas)
Republican Representative from Texas
“This is people’s political livelihood on the line.”
theweek.com
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
Democratic Senator from Maryland
“We got a long list of priorities.”
theweek.com
