By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the looming threat of a government shutdown intensifies, congressional leaders unveiled a strategic two-step plan aimed at preventing a partial shutdown this week. The proposed legislation, revealed on Sunday evening, adopts a unique approach by extending funding for specific federal government areas until March 1, while allocating funds for the remaining agencies through March 8. This innovative tactic buys more time for crucial spending discussions.

This initiative marks the third funding stopgap, known as a continuing resolution (CR), since the expiration of fiscal year 2023 funding in September. With a deadline of January 19 looming, Congress must swiftly pass the CR to avert a partial government shutdown. The two-step plan mirrors the structure used in the past, with deadlines set for January 19 and February 2. This method aims to avoid a massive single omnibus spending bill, aligning with House Republicans’ push for the separation of regular funding bills.

The recent agreement comes on the heels of a bipartisan understanding reached a week ago on federal government funding through September. However, appropriators require additional time to negotiate the 12 annual spending bills for fiscal year 2024. The decision to opt for a short-term CR is a setback for hardline House Republicans advocating for a long-term stopgap, incorporating the threat of automatic cuts after April, as outlined in the Financial Responsibility Act debt limit bill from the previous year.

Hardline Republicans argue that these potential cuts serve as both a contingency plan to reduce spending further and an additional leverage point to extract concessions from Democrats on spending bills, particularly in areas such as border and migration policy. The compromise on a short-term CR disappoints House conservatives who had urged Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to reconsider the agreement.

This temporary solution is also anticipated to face opposition from conservatives who prioritize spending reductions. Some insist on the inclusion of border provisions in any funding measure, potentially requiring Johnson to rely on Democratic votes to pass the CR. Meanwhile, spending leaders await the allocation details for each of the 12 full-year bills.

Speaking about the challenges, Sen. Jerry Moran (Kansas), the top Republican on the subcommittee overseeing funding for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, acknowledged the difficulties arising from budget constraints. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), a spending cardinal, pointed to the Department of Homeland Security as a potential factor contributing to delays, citing ongoing negotiations on a separate border and foreign aid package.

In response to these developments, Speaker Johnson stated, “Because the completion deadlines are upon us, a short continuing resolution is required to complete what House Republicans are working hard to achieve: an end to governance by omnibus, meaningful policy wins, and better stewardship of American tax dollars.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) indicated that the Senate would initiate the process to pass the measure on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to avoid a shutdown.