The U.S. House of Representatives is reportedly planning to vote on a short-term funding bill that, if passed, would prevent a government shutdown this week.
Sources with knowledge of the discussions told the Associated Press that the bill, which could avoid a federal budget lapse, could be put to a vote as soon as this week. The measure is expected to include an extension of a freeze on the current federal debt ceiling.
The White House is expected to back the proposal, according to House Speaker John Boehner.
“We’re encouraged by the progress that’s been made and we are hopeful that a deal will be arrived at soon,” Obama spokesman Jay Carney told reporters at a White House press briefing.
A government shutdown could have dire consequences, leaving millions of Americans without the services they depend on from the federal government. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees would also be affected, losing out on paychecks and facing angry taxpayers.
The proposal would extend current spending levels for an additional four weeks, allowing Congress more time to work out a deal to increase the debt ceiling, avoiding a government shutdown. The short-term bill is necessary for Congress to pass legislation that would raise the debt ceiling and keep the government running past the October 17th deadline.
The current deadlock is attributable to alysis in Congress over the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. House Republicans are refusing to raise the debt ceiling unless Democrats agree to delay or defund the President’s healthcare policies.
The Senate has rejected a House bill designed to delay the Obama health care plan until December, and Democrats have indicated they will not agree to any further delays.
It is unclear what, if any, concessions House Republicans are willing to make in order for a deal to be reached. The President has rejected numerous calls to negotiate with the GOP.
We will be watching with suspense as news of negotiations between the House and Senate come out of Washington. We can only hope a deal will be reached to prevent a government shutdown and allow programs and services to continue uninterrupted.