Congressional Funding Fight Looms as House Returns from Summer Recess

The House of Representatives faces a critical challenge as it returns from recess, with just weeks left to fund the government and avoid a partial shutdown.

As the House of Representatives returns from its early summer recess, lawmakers face a pressing deadline to fund the government before the next fiscal year begins on October 1st. The GOP-controlled House must compromise with the Democrat-controlled Senate to avoid a partial government shutdown, potentially furloughing thousands of federal employees.

The House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Tom Cole (R-Okla.), has acknowledged that a short-term extension of funding known as a continuing resolution (CR) will likely be necessary. This temporary measure would keep the government operating at current levels while negotiations continue.

Congressional Funding Fight Looms as House Returns from Summer Recess

The main hurdle for the House is the lack of progress on passing individual appropriations bills before the recess. While the House has passed six of the 12 bills, the Senate has yet to consider any. This disagreement has stalled the legislative process and created uncertainty over the funding framework.

GOP rebels have pushed for spending bills that include amendments on controversial issues such as transgender surgeries and abortion, arguing that Republicans should leverage their majority position. However, rank-and-file Republicans have expressed concerns about being forced to take politically unpopular votes on measures that would likely not pass the Senate.

Congressional Funding Fight Looms as House Returns from Summer Recess

When lawmakers return in September, the focus will shift to determining the length of the CR and whether any riders will be attached. Allies of former President Trump have urged a CR that extends into the new year, hoping that Republicans will regain control of the White House and Senate. However, senior GOP lawmakers have expressed concerns that such a move would unnecessarily prolong the drama during the first 100 days of a new administration.

Some Trump allies are also advocating for attaching the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) to the CR, which would add a proof-of-citizenship requirement to voter registration. However, Chairman Cole has signaled that he is not enthusiastic about the idea, emphasizing that a CR should focus on bipartisan issues such as disaster relief.

Congressional Funding Fight Looms as House Returns from Summer Recess

The House has made significant progress in advancing appropriations bills, but the Senate's lack of action has hindered the process. The House will continue its efforts to responsibly fund the government for the upcoming fiscal year, but a compromise with the Senate is essential to avoid a shutdown.