⏰ The clock is ticking on September 30. To avoid a U.S. federal government shutdown, Congress needs to pass 12 annual funding bills or a short-term funding extension. So far, none have cleared both houses.
Next up, President Donald Trump will meet Monday at the White House with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to hash out a deal. This follows Trump calling off a meeting with Democratic leaders last Thursday, labelling their demands unserious and ridiculous. 🤷♂️
Why a shutdown matters
- Non-essential operations pause, while essential services and mandatory programs stay on (think defense, immigration and healthcare subsidies).
- Last shutdown in late 2018 lasted 35 days and furloughed or froze pay for about 800,000 federal workers.
New twist: Fire or furlough?
An Office of Management and Budget memo says agencies should prepare termination notices for employees in programs set to expire October 1 and deemed not aligned with administration priorities. Analysts like Brookings Senior Fellow Darrell West warn this could mean real job losses, not just unpaid leave. 😬
What's next?
If no deal, some agencies will post contingency plans on their websites for which functions keep running. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, defense and border enforcement keep funding. Independent bodies like the Federal Reserve and postal services keep chugging along. Others could see staff furloughed or even let go.
As political drama heats up, many are asking: who blinks first? Stay tuned for the next chapter in this budget showdown. 🔥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
