"The turn of a New Year can represent many things: A fresh outlook, healthier habits, and goals to work toward. But entering January also marks a threshold: The looming government shutdown is only a matter of weeks away. In November, the U.S. government experienced its longest shutdown in history after Republicans and Democrats took 43 days to agree on new funding arrangements for the likes of SNAP food aid, the Department of Agriculture, Congress, and veterans affairs through September next year."
"Optimists might argue that with four weeks to the day until the shutdown, a change of tone has already been observed. For example, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters before the holidays that he and Senate Majority Leader John Thune were going to "work through the process and get the appropriations bills done." Thune echoed the message, though hinted that he's making contingency plans if the best-case scenario doesn't materialise."
The New Year coincides with a looming government shutdown set for January 30. A 43-day shutdown occurred in November while negotiators funded SNAP, the Department of Agriculture, Congress, and veterans affairs through September. Significant portions of the federal government remain without agreed funding and will face depleted coffers at the end of January. Congress left for the holidays without deals on appropriations and expiring programs such as the National Flood Insurance Program Authorization and Medicare extenders. Senate leaders signaled intent to complete appropriations, while contingency planning is underway and the President rejected yielding to perceived extortion.
Read at Fortune
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