The United States stands on the precipice of yet another government shutdown as Congress struggles to finalize funding before the midnight deadline on Friday. Following two failed attempts to pass spending bills, lawmakers face increasing pressure from both sides of the aisle, raising concerns about the impact on the upcoming holiday season.
Just days before federal funding is set to expire, House Speaker Mike Johnson is scrambling to secure enough votes after two proposals failed to garner support. The first was initially characterized as bipartisan but was swiftly dismantled by pressure from President-elect Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. With funding expected to lapse at midnight on December 20, 2024, many federal operations, deemed non-essential, could come to a halt.
Under the Antideficiency Act, first enacted back in 1884, federal agencies are prohibited from spending without congressional approval, meaning the government must either pass new funding legislation or face the consequences. "A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to fund the federal government by the set deadline," explained political analysts.
If no new spending bill is passed, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, causing uncertainty as Christmas and Hanukkah approach—a peak travel time. Essential workers, such as those at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control, may still be required to work but will go unpaid until a funding solution is reached, as seen in previous shutdowns.
Trump, already shaping the conversation around this impending crisis, expressed on his social media platform, "If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’" He assigned blame to the current administration, hoping to shift the burden if the shutdown ensues.
Adding to the complexity, Trump and Musk’s influence led to the rejection of the latest funding plan. "The original bipartisan bill was derailed when Trump and his top advisers demanded Congress kill the deal," NPR's Deirdre Walsh reported. Consequently, this has resulted in deep divisions among House Republicans, as many lawmakers resist increased spending and dislike the inclusion of raising the debt ceiling—which Trump is advocating for—to facilitate his future fiscal agenda.
Looming closer is the reality of travel delays and service interruptions. The TSA has prepared for the large volume of holiday travelers, predicting it will screen over 40 million people during the peak travel season. TSA Administrator David Pekoske warned, "While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports."
The failed funding proposals have prompted discussions within the House to break down the funding bill to vote separately on its components, allowing for easier passage. Yet, as Representative Anna Paulina Luna stated, "We're not working with Democrats," emphasizing the difficulty of gaining bipartisan support.
Lawmakers have until midnight to avert the shutdown, and plans are being crafted to pair measures such as disaster relief funding and agricultural support. According to sources familiar with internal negotiations, much hinges on whether the House can unite around separate votes, allowing them to sidestep onerous opposition.
Historically, government shutdowns have become increasingly common and often messy affairs, particularly since the federal government has faced 20 funding gaps since 1976. The last considerable shutdown was under Trump’s presidency, lasting 35 days when Congress failed to come to terms over the security funding for the U.S.-Mexico border. At the time, it reportedly cost the economy $11 billion, with $3 billion never recovered.
What does this mean for federal employees? Should the shutdown occur, furloughed workers—expected to number around 400,000—would not be paid until the government reopens. While Social Security and Medicare payments would continue, countless services, like federal inspections and passport processing, would be put on hold.
Eager for any resolution, Johnson indicated he believes there are still options available: "We’re expecting votes this morning, so y'all stay tuned for our plan!" But this confidence appears to stand at odds with the realities of the faltering Republican base and their inability to unite behind Trump’s dynamic demands.
Even as Johnson navigates these explosive waters, the larger frame of governance is under scrutiny as lawmakers behind closed doors wrestle with differing priorities. After the House's failure to pass previous agreements, internal dissent has only exacerbated already strained relations, leading to fierce debates over revised debt ceilings and current spending habits.
Looking forward, if Congress fails to act soon, the U.S. government will shut down, causing chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. Long-standing aspects of daily operations may stall, leaving federal employees, service quality, and even national security at the mercy of political gridlock.
The pressure to reach across partisan lines remains ever present, and the stakes could not be higher. For the American public, the clock is ticking—one wrong move could mean disrupted holidays, grueling wait times, and unyielding governmental stagnation. Will Congress rise to the challenge and avert the looming crisis? Only time will tell, as lawmakers hurriedly negotiate potential solutions.
