With a new presidential administration and new lawmakers on the horizon in Washington, the current Congress has three weeks to tackle two critical tasks: passing government funding to avoid a shutdown, and approving a defense spending bill. The current government funding bill expires on Dec. 20, potentially leading to a shutdown just before Christmas if an agreement is not reached. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of avoiding a shutdown during this time.
In addition to government funding, Congress also needs to approve the defense spending bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees are working on a compromise bill that aligns with a spending deal made in 2023. There is also a call for nearly $100 billion in emergency funding to assist with natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, wildfires, tornadoes, and infrastructure collapses.
During a government shutdown, nonessential federal employees are sent home, while essential workers continue to work and receive pay. Essential benefits programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continue, but services like national parks and monuments, food programs, and child care programs may be impacted. Airport security and air traffic control continue to operate, but airline delays could occur.
Congress aims to pass necessary funding packages and prevent a potential government shutdown by working together in the final weeks of the year to reach agreements on critical spending bills.
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