Post-Thanksgiving Rush

Upon their return from the Thanksgiving recess, Congress members will have a scant few weeks to approve continued government spending before a looming deadline of December 20. The stakes are high, as failure to reach an agreement could lead to a partial government shutdown just before the Christmas holiday.

Senate Majority Leader’s Call for Bipartisanship

In floor remarks prior to the recess, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., emphasized the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation. He stated, “When the Senate returns after Thanksgiving, senators can expect a very busy few weeks to finish our work before the end of the year.”

Schumer stressed the importance of collaboration from both sides, adding that “letting the government shut down just before Christmas would be asinine, plain and simple.” He pointed out that there may be a few members in the opposing chamber who are indifferent to a shutdown, but insisted they represent a distinct minority.

Appropriations Bills in Limbo

Despite nearly all appropriations bills having passed through committee, they have yet to be brought to the floor for a vote, as Schumer’s office has not responded to inquiries regarding the timeline for these votes. The delay leaves many lawmakers and stakeholders anxious about the impending funding deadline and the potential for a government shutdown.

House Speaker’s Concerns

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has criticized Schumer for not advancing individual appropriations bills. Johnson suggested this inaction indicates that lawmakers may ultimately resort to a short-term stopgap spending bill extending into next year. This scenario is seen as preferable by some Republicans, particularly those who wish to have the incoming Trump administration involved in shaping a spending bill as soon as possible.

The Stakes for Republicans

Republicans recognize that if appropriations measures are passed during this Congress, with Democrats controlling the Senate and President Joe Biden in office, their influence over fiscal policies for the 2025 fiscal year will be significantly diminished. Most Republicans seem inclined to secure a short-term spending bill, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), which would allow them greater authority and leverage early in the new year.

The Prospect of an Omnibus Bill

Despite the desire of some Republicans for a CR, there is an expectation among Democrats and other observers that the approaching deadline may result in either a large appropriations package, known as an omnibus, or smaller groupings of spending bills referred to as minibuses. This potential approach could streamline the process but has also drawn vocal opposition from certain factions within the Republican Party.

Opposition from Within the GOP

Some Republicans have raised concerns about the prospect of an omnibus spending bill. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently penned an open letter urging the American public to pressure their representatives against supporting a large spending bill before Christmas. He warned that Congress is poised to bypass thorough debate and discussion in favor of pushing through a massive appropriations package, contradicting the Republican Party’s fiscal principles.

Consequences of Inaction

The stakes are higher than ever: if Congress fails to pass any form of stopgap measure or appropriations package by the December 20 deadline, the government faces the unsettling prospect of entering a partial shutdown until an agreement is reached. The potential implications of a shutdown include disruptions to government services, delayed paychecks for federal employees, and broader economic uncertainty, just as families prepare for the holiday season.