As the deadline for a partial government shutdown looms just days away, there is still no clear path to avert it. Lawmakers had aimed to release the text of a bipartisan spending deal on Sunday, but this has been delayed, highlighting high-level disagreements over policy issues. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces significant pressure from the conservative faction within his party to secure wins, further complicating the negotiations.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has warned of the shutdown risk in a recent communication, indicating that discussions are intense with Johnson and other key figures. Schumer attributed the delay to internal turmoil within the House Republican conference, stating that more time is needed for them to come to a resolution.
Despite Schumer's criticism, Johnson defended the House's efforts, emphasizing their nonstop work and good faith in reaching an agreement with the Senate. Congress faces two shutdown deadlines, on March 1 and March 8, following a short-term funding bill passed in January. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with congressional leaders to push for additional funding for Ukraine and to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Senators are expected back in Washington on Monday evening, while the House will reconvene on Wednesday, leaving little time to resolve the funding issues before the Friday deadline. The Senate's handling of the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, impeached by House Republicans earlier this month, remains a key question.
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