Congressional Divisions Raise Risk of US Government Shutdown This Fall

As the fiscal year end approaches, the risk of a U.S. government shutdown this fall is increasing due to deep partisan divisions over federal budget priorities under President Donald Trump's administration. Republicans, holding narrow majorities, have pushed to rescind $9 billion in previously approved funding and considered bypassing the Senate's 60-vote threshold to pass appropriations bills without Democratic support, prompting strong opposition from Democrats who warn of severe cuts to health, education, and foreign aid. The budgeting process remains contentious as the government operates under a full-year continuing resolution expiring on September 30, with the House having passed only two of twelve appropriations bills so far. Democratic leaders demand bipartisan negotiations, emphasizing tradition, while Republicans blame Democrats for a potential shutdown and seek to prioritize defense and border security spending over other programs. Internal GOP disagreements have emerged over whether to pursue a full-year continuing resolution, with some conservatives viewing it as a necessary compromise and others fearing it would undermine defense funding priorities. The intensifying rhetoric and early onset of budget conflicts underscore the challenges in reaching a funding agreement before the government faces a partial shutdown.