A government shutdown is becoming increasingly likely as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and 16 House Republicans engage in a game of brinksmanship over a continuing resolution bill. The bill, which would have kept the government operating through March, was voted down on Wednesday, with 14 House Republicans voting “no” and two voting “present”.
The Republicans who voted against the bill did so in protest of Schumer’s refusal to allow a vote on an annual appropriations bill. The House has passed five of the 12 necessary appropriations bills, but Schumer’s inaction has made a continuing resolution necessary. This has led to accusations that Schumer is derelict in his duty and is intentionally creating a crisis.
The 16 Republicans who voted against the bill are largely known for their hardline stances and are seen as more interested in grandstanding than in achieving conservative results. They include Reps. Jim Banks, Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, and Lauren Boebert, among others. The two “present” votes came from Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, who are known for their controversial views.
By opposing the continuing resolution, these Republicans are playing into Schumer’s hands. Schumer is seeking to increase spending, and a shutdown would allow him to blame Republicans for the consequences. A shutdown would also be costly, as furloughed workers would receive back pay and the economy would be disrupted.
A possible solution to the crisis is a six-month continuing resolution, which would push the battle over 2025 spending into the next Congress. This would give Republicans a chance to regroup and potentially gain control of the Senate in January 2025. Alternatively, Republicans could work to pass a shorter continuing resolution that includes voter ID provisions and keeps spending levels low. However, with the current Congress’s track record, it’s unclear if this is a viable option.
