With less than two weeks left until a potential government shutdown, Congress is facing a daunting task to keep the lights on. As the clock ticks closer to December 11th, the expiration date for the current government funding bill, both parties have yet to reach a satisfactory agreement that would set the nation’s budget for 2021.
The current funding bill is the sixth temporary funding measure put into place this year, but it is the first to expire due to the current polarization of Congress. With Republicans seeking spending cuts and Democrats striving for more social safety net funds, the two sides battle to reach a consensus.
With limited time remaining, Congress faces an uphill climb to come to an agreement that will satisfy both parties. Interest groups from all sides of the political divide are voicing their opinions, making the task of determining a budget that would be passed by both sides of the aisle even more complicated.
The possible shutdown extends beyond the two weeks, as there is doubt that a sufficient bill could be written and passed in such a short amount of time. If Congress is unable to pass a budget, the government could enter into a partial shut down. This could mean services like national parks and some federal agencies ceasing to operate.
The potential shutdown has caused uncertainty for those dependent on federal services, and could have ripple effects that extend further out into the American economy. Markets have already reacted poorly to the uncertainty and possible government shut down, leading to volatility.
While it seems increasingly unlikely that Congress will be able to reach an agreement this year, it is important that all sides take into consideration the potential costs of a shutdown. All that is left is hope for an agreement that will satisfy both sides, and keep the nation running in 2021.