Legislation that fundes the federal government will expire on September 30. By then, Congress must pass another spending bill to avoid closures, but lawmakers are still in conflict.
Confrontation of health coverage
Last week, a parking measure was cleared for the Republican-controlled home to continue funds until November 21. Subsequently, Senate Democrats blocked the measure. Republicans occupy 53 seats in the upper room, seven seats less than the necessary 60 vote threshold. Although they only have leverage that has stalled in Senate measures, Congressional Democrats have broadly opposed the House bill. The main thing they are concerned about is that it does not address time-sensitive health care issues, such as the affordable care bill tax subsidy that expires.
While Democrats hope the deadlock will bring Republicans to the negotiating table, the latter has yet to show interest in a bipartisan approach. Instead, to limit legislative debate and choices, Republican leaders postponed the House and Senate until September 29, just a few hours before the deadline.
To limit legislative debate and choices, Republican leaders postponed the House and Senate until September 29, just a few hours before the deadline.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) seek solutions to demand a meeting with President Trump to discuss the way forward. Despite his initial agreement, Trump canceled the meeting yesterday amid Republican concerns. Also on Wednesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) took extremely unusual steps to guide federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs during shutdowns. This is a sharp departure from long-standing OMB policies, which could escalate tensions and shackle divisions.
What will happen next?
Unless the House and Senate pass the same spending legislation by October 1, federal funds will fail. Not all programs will be affected or affected in the same way. Federal agencies – including the Medicare & Medicaid Service Center (CMS) and the Social Security Agency (SSA) – released contingency plans for the closure outlining their expected responses, including what functions will be stopped and how many employees will be laid off.
Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Services are less susceptible to any possible mistakes.
Although the published plans may change, essential Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security services are expected to continue under potential closures. Crucially, these plans are not funded through legislation that will expire next week and are therefore not susceptible to any possible mistakes. Unlike many other federal programs, they do not require regular approval of annual funds or continue to operate. However, they may not be completely isolated – some operations are linked to the affected dollar, which can lead to delays or interruptions.
As the committee in charge of the federal budget pointed out, this happened in the past. In case of prior closure, “certain services related to mandatory programs may be reduced if their funds have discretionary components.
“…If their funds have discretionary portions, certain services related to mandatory programs may be reduced.”
– Responsible for the commission of the federal budget
Regarding the current situation, CMS and SSA have not published this details yet. These decisions ultimately depend on links to maturing funds, White House directives and agency discretion. Since social security is especially in the work of historically lean personnel, the time of closing may come at dangerous times.
Take action today
When Congress considers key federal funding and health care decisions, it’s time to let your voice hear. Read more about how to connect with your legislators here.
