New Spending Resolution Essential as Government Shutdown Persists

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole has indicated that a new short-term spending deal, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is increasingly necessary as the current funding arrangement approaches its expiration date. The existing CR, which was passed by the House on September 19, 2023, is set to expire on November 21, 2023. This urgency is compounded by the ongoing government shutdown, which is now in its 22nd day, and has significantly hindered the Appropriations Committee’s ability to finalize the twelve appropriations bills required for fiscal year 2026.

Cole expressed concern over the time lost during the shutdown, stating, “We would need another CR because we’ve wasted, so far, four weeks of this one.” He emphasized the diminishing time frame for negotiations, noting that a swift resumption of discussions post-shutdown could still yield substantial progress. However, he warned that “every day we delay pushes that further out,” underscoring the implications of the current political impasse.

The challenges of achieving consensus on government funding amid partisan divides are evident. The delay has also affected the swearing-in of Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva, who is involved in a lawsuit against the U.S. House due to Speaker Mike Johnson’s postponement of her swearing-in process.

As Republicans grapple with the dwindling timeframe for appropriations, they are considering various options, including another short-term CR or a longer-term solution. Speaker Johnson has not committed to any particular plan but acknowledged the growing difficulty of completing all appropriations on schedule in light of the shutdown. Representative Mike Simpson, chairman of the Interior appropriations subcommittee, echoed concerns regarding the need for another CR, citing the time wasted and the complexity of negotiations.

Simpson voiced skepticism about the feasibility of a year-long CR, noting potential opposition from Republicans who are hesitant to endorse a budget closely linked to the final year of the Biden administration’s spending plan. This reflects a broader reluctance among Republicans to extend funding based on a budget they do not fully support.

On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been advocating for a bipartisan spending agreement, insisting that Republicans must “come to the table” before further discussions on another CR can take place. This stance illustrates the contrasting approaches of the two parties, with Democrats pushing for a fully functioning government and urging Republicans to initiate negotiations.

The stakes are high, as the decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact federal funding, the operation of government agencies, and the overall economic stability of the nation. As the deadline approaches, it appears increasingly likely that lawmakers will opt for a CR to defer budget decisions, a move that could perpetuate existing challenges.

The complexities surrounding this situation highlight the necessity for a collaborative approach to ensure the government functions effectively while addressing the critical needs of the public. However, the political divisions present a formidable obstacle, complicating the path forward for lawmakers.