Summary
Congress is back in session after a break and needs to prevent a government shutdown by agreeing to fund federal agencies. They have 14 legislative days to pass a funding bill, or the government will shut down. There is disagreement on a proposed funding bill, with differing opinions on budget cuts and allocations.
Key Facts
- Congress has 14 legislative days to prevent a government shutdown by the end of September.
- Lawmakers may use a short-term funding solution called a continuing resolution to keep agencies running temporarily.
- A proposed funding bill for the fiscal year 2026 suggests $184.5 billion for discretionary spending, a reduction from the previous year.
- Some cuts in the proposal include reductions in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
- Democratic members criticized the funding cuts, stating they harm essential services needed by Americans.
- The White House announced a $5 billion foreign aid cut, called a "pocket rescission," which some lawmakers see as unlawful.
- There is tension between the White House and Congress over the balance of legislative power.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Republicans to stand up for Congress against what he calls the administration's overreach.
