Government Funding Talks Intensify with Shutdown Deadline Looming

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With just 10 days until a potential government shutdown, Senate negotiators are scrambling to finalize a spending deal. Two options for a stopgap funding measure are under consideration: a full-year continuing resolution (CR) or a month-long resolution to provide additional time for discussions.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, confirmed on Monday that talks are moving along dual tracks, aiming for either a comprehensive approach lasting until September or a shorter-term solution. “We need to keep the government open, and we’re working hard to find a path forward,” Collins stated.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed support for a full-year resolution over the weekend, a stance echoed by former President Donald Trump. This position, however, has sparked frustration among Senate Democrats, who feel sidelined as the March 14 deadline draws nearer.

“This is a surrender,” said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. “We are walking away from a chance for a bipartisan discussion on appropriations, and that is not acceptable.” Durbin emphasized the urgent need for a compromise to avert a shutdown.

Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Appropriations panel, aligned with her party’s call for a short-term measure. “We need to consider a number of options to avoid a shutdown,” she told reporters. “The only one who wants a shutdown right now is Elon Musk. Nobody else wants a shutdown. We are all working to get this done.”

The pressure for resolution has increased from defense advocates, who argue that continuous funding through CRs is detrimental to national security and military readiness. “A lengthy continuing resolution is not in our best interest,” said a defense industry representative concerned about the implications of delayed appropriations.

Republican leaders are motivated to avoid a shutdown as they simultaneously prepare to advance Trump’s tax reform agenda through budget reconciliation in the coming months. “Had Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., not stalled appropriations bills last year, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” stated Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo. “Our focus is on keeping the government open.”

Meanwhile, House Republicans are expected to unveil the text of the proposed CR this weekend, adhering to the chamber’s 72-hour review rule. House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., confirmed that the proposal would not incorporate cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency, which are intended for discussions about future budgets.

“Democratic leadership seems intent on limiting presidential authority, which won’t fly,” said Cole. “This is a non-starter for us.”

Despite their majority, Republicans require Democratic support in both chambers to successfully fund the government. In the House, some moderates have already voiced their opposition to a full-year CR, highlighting the need for bipartisan votes to overcome the Senate filibuster.

Negotiators are currently navigating a complex funding landscape, with the full-year spending approach gaining momentum. “That certainly remains an option we are exploring,” asserted Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., as discussions continue.