Congress has agreed to extend government funding through Dec. 20 to avoid a shutdown that was slated to begin on Sept. 30. This deal ensures Americans retain access to crucial government services and dodges a potential embarrassment just weeks before the presidential election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to pass the funding extension quickly. The House is expected to vote on the deal on Wednesday, followed by the Senate, and is likely to be signed by President Joe Biden. However, a longer-term deal will need to be negotiated after the election.
The deal struck between the GOP-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate excluded a controversial voting legislation that would require proof of citizenship to vote. Former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to allow a shutdown if the legislation couldn’t pass, but non-citizen voting is extremely rare. Senate Minority Leader Schumer criticized the GOP effort, saying the agreement could have been reached earlier.
During a government shutdown, nonessential federal employees are sent home without pay, while essential workers continue to work and receive their pay. Key benefit programs like Social Security and Medicare would continue, but it may be harder to access government services like passport and visa assistance. National parks would close, childcare programs like Head Start would be unfunded, and there could be airline delays due to absenteeism. The funding extension also proposes $231 million for the U.S. Secret Service following recent security incidents involving former President Trump.
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