CBS News - How can Congress avoid a government shutdown?
The video discusses the urgent efforts by lawmakers on Capitol Hill to pass a government funding bill before the midnight deadline to prevent a government shutdown. House Republicans are meeting to discuss potential plans, which may include a clean extension of government funding or incorporate elements like disaster aid and farm aid. However, there is resistance from more conservative members regarding increasing the debt limit. Democrats blame Republicans for breaking an initial bipartisan agreement, while Republicans argue that Democrats are obstructing the President-elect's agenda. The possibility of a temporary funding lapse exists if a resolution isn't reached by the weekend, as procedural rules may delay a vote. The situation is fluid, with ongoing negotiations and finger-pointing between parties.
Key Points:
- Lawmakers face a midnight deadline to pass a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown.
- House Republicans are considering a clean extension or including disaster and farm aid in the bill.
- Conservative members resist increasing the debt limit, complicating negotiations.
- Democrats accuse Republicans of breaking a bipartisan agreement, while Republicans blame Democrats for stalling the President-elect's agenda.
- A temporary funding lapse is possible if a resolution isn't reached, as procedural rules may delay voting.