House Republicans' approach to government funding, which includes spending cuts and conservative policy priorities, has created a stark contrast with the Senate's bipartisan strategy, potentially leading to a damaging government shutdown.
The House and Senate are holding crucial votes to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the week, with disagreements between lawmakers over spending bills causing a divide, particularly among House Republicans.
The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to extend funding and prevent a government shutdown, although it may not be sufficient to avoid a shutdown entirely.
House Republicans reject a bipartisan Senate plan to fund the government and a government shutdown appears increasingly likely as the two chambers work against one another to reach an agreement on a short-term spending bill.
The top Republicans in the House and Senate are at odds over how to avoid a government shutdown, with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell blaming the Republican-led House and emphasizing the importance of keeping the government open to address critical issues.
The Democratic-controlled Senate plans a procedural vote on a short-term spending measure to avoid a government shutdown, which Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has rejected due to disagreements over spending levels and immigration policies.
The Senate voted 76-22 to keep a six-week government funding measure on track to pass this weekend, but it looks increasingly likely the federal government will shut down when funding runs out Saturday.
The chances of a government shutdown are almost 90%, according to the President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Maya MacGuineas, who argues that Congress is running out of time to pass a funding bill.
Republican infighting over budget legislation has increased the risk of a government shutdown in the US, potentially leading to thousands of federal workers without pay and negatively impacting the economy, including a reduction in GDP growth and a potential credit rating downgrade.
Lawmakers in the United States are facing a potential government shutdown as they struggle to pass legislation that would keep the government funded beyond the start of the fiscal year, which could result in the closure of federal agencies and services.
As Speaker Kevin McCarthy resists scheduling a House vote on a spending bill, President Joe Biden's aides believe that any government shutdown will be blamed on McCarthy and his fellow Republicans rather than the White House, according to officials.
House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene blames Democrats for the imminent government shutdown occurring when funding expires on Saturday, as Republicans and Democrats struggle to reach an agreement on a new funding bill, risking furloughs for federal workers and potential backlash in Congress.
The White House is attempting to place blame for a potential government shutdown on House Republicans who have failed to pass a funding package and are refusing to honor a bipartisan spending agreement, while President Biden faces low poll numbers and economic concerns as he seeks re-election.
