Government Shutdown Averted: The Feeling of Christmas in September

The house is now filled with triangles of orange and yellow candy corn. Reese's Cups have transformed into chocolate and peanut butter pumpkins, no longer resembling their original fluted wafer form. The dog becomes anxious during walks, and when you turn a corner in your neighborhood, a mechanical ghoul emits an evil laugh.

The transition from September to October in the calendar was smooth, and it was especially so in Congress. Despite the government shutdown season on Capitol Hill, Congress managed to pass a stopgap spending measure that kept the lights on until December 20. As a result, those working on Capitol Hill or for the federal government can enjoy the "Halloween" season this October without worrying about continuing resolutions. Instead, they can focus on embracing apparitions rather than appropriations.

September's salvation was also rescued for Thanksgiving next month. Congress typically approves a stopgap spending bill or two each fall. Depending on the congressional schedule and if it's an election year, one might run the government through mid-October or later. Another may punt until just before Thanksgiving or just afterward.

This year's emergency spending plan is unique as it covers the government's funding for the autumn months of October and November. However, it is important to note that the plan expires just before Christmas, which means that Congress may not be able to celebrate the holiday season.

Two out of three holidays isn't too shabby.

"What is the reason for choosing December 20th for the temporary spending package, asked Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., during a House Rules Committee meeting? The answer is that December 20th is the date when Congress members are most motivated to pass legislation, as they are close to Christmas and want to be with their families."

Massie contends that bipartisan congressional leaders select a date close to a holiday in order to maximize their influence over members, enabling them to pass another spending plan to prevent a holiday government shutdown.

A Speaker of the House has threatened Republicans in meetings to vote 'yes' on a spending measure, according to Massie.

According to Massie, when he entered the room, he said, "If you vote for this, you can go home and unwrap presents with your kids. But if you don't vote for this, you'll be spending Christmas here with Nancy Pelosi." The crowd then began chanting, "Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote!" Despite not having read the proposal, people were excited to vote for it.

As lawmakers attempt to fund the government and prevent a shutdown during Christmas, the amount of jet fumes in the Capitol will increase in mid-December. The question is how long a spending plan will last, with options ranging from deep into calendar year 2025 to February, March, or even the completion of the 12 annual spending bills, one by one.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has ruled out an "omnibus" and instead advocated for "minibuses," which combine multiple spending measures into one bill. He compared it to a "Volkswagen" because it is smaller in size.

What would Herbie the Love Bug say?

The length of another interim spending plan depends on which party controls the House and Senate next year, as well as who won the White House. The President-elect's wishes will influence lawmakers to shape the spending bill according to their preferences.

In September, the objective was to prevent a shutdown and defer the difficult discussions.

"A shutdown is not an option, as stated by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., last month. This approach guarantees that Americans are not unnecessarily penalized with an expensive shutdown and provides the next president with the opportunity to influence the appropriations process."

Despite the Senate not passing any spending bills, the House approved five appropriations measures. However, Cole attributed some of the legislative difficulties to his own Republican colleagues.

"The majority should be governing, as we are the majority," said Cole.

He stated that it was "disappointing" that the House GOP majority had to depend on Democrats to prevent a shutdown once more.

If the House is unable to pass the remaining spending bills after the election, a difficult holiday season will follow.

As Rep. Chip Roy, R-Tex., cautioned, "an all-encompassing, large-scale bill is the unavoidable outcome of taking action before Christmas."

What is Johnson's plan to manage the situation, given the possibility of Congress needing to pass an "immediate needs" bill for FEMA as soon as lawmakers return in mid-November, as well as the possibility of a shutdown in December and the need to approve a plan to address Hurricanes Helene and Milton, along with other natural disasters?

If Democrats lose the Senate, fail to capture the House, and lose the presidency, they may be less likely to assist Republicans with spending bills, potentially leading to a government shutdown and the start of a second term for former President Donald Trump.

Mike Johnson faces numerous challenges as he tries to fund the government, manage various crises, and appease conservative critics who are already dissatisfied with his leadership and may attempt to maintain power. If he makes a misstep, it could jeopardize his chances of being elected Speaker on January 3 if the Republicans retain their majority.

What is the best course of action for Johnson to take? It is unclear. Johnson attempted to satisfy the right with a spending plan that included a requirement for proof of citizenship to vote, but the Republicans were unable to pass their own bill. This suggests that simply catering to the fringes does not necessarily lead to success in the House Republican Conference.

The interim spending bill passed without much drama to prevent a government shutdown in late September.

The end of the month is now open for the residents of Capitol Hill to enjoy Halloween in October and Thanksgiving.

But Christmas? You’ve got to be kidding me.

Christmas may be a struggle.

This year, Christmas came early in September, and there was no government shutdown.

Which is why actual Christmas could be a nightmare this year.