Congress is gearing up for critical battles to avoid a potential shutdown crisis for the next president as lawmakers brace for a very different situation in Washington, and potentially in the United States, when they return after Election Day. With the House and Senate currently in recess until Nov. 11, lawmakers are using this time to campaign before voters head to the polls on the first Tuesday of November. However, the looming deadlines and key issues awaiting Congress when they reconvene are causing significant concern.
Deadlines and Funding
One of the most pressing issues facing Congress is the deadline for federal funding for discretionary government programs. If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement before Dec. 20, funding for these programs will dry up. While this deadline was originally aligned with the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, Congress extended the current year’s federal funding levels with a short-term extension. The outcome of this battle will heavily depend on which party controls Congress and the White House next year.
House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil emphasized the importance of national security as a top policy priority for Congress upon their return. He highlighted the need for a strong defense bill to protect U.S. interests and troops, especially in the face of adversaries working against the country’s interests globally.
National Defense Authorization Act
Another key battle on the horizon for Congress is the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets military and national security policy each year. This legislation is crucial for maintaining the country’s defense capabilities and ensuring the safety of its citizens. Steil stressed the importance of prioritizing defense spending and policy in the upcoming session to address the weaknesses in the Biden administration’s foreign policy.
Farm Bill Renewal
Congress will also need to address the renewal of the annual farm bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation that sets American food and agricultural policy every five years. This bill has far-reaching implications for federal food benefits, crop prices, and forestry conservation. While the 2018 farm bill was extended through December 2024, lawmakers must now work on authorizing a new farm bill to support the agriculture industry and address critical issues in the sector.
Rep. Andy Ogles, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, emphasized the need for the House to prioritize the fiscal year 2025 funding process. He underscored the importance of reaffirming the appropriations process to ensure a successful year ahead. However, Ogles cautioned against consolidating the annual appropriations bills into a massive “omnibus” spending bill in December, which could lead to government bloat and reduced transparency.
Despite differing opinions within the House GOP, leaders have vowed not to advance an omnibus spending bill. Some senior Republicans have expressed a preference for completing the appropriations process this year to provide a clean slate for the incoming administration. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole stressed the importance of avoiding a government shutdown crisis in the early months of the next presidency, regardless of who wins the election.
As Congress prepares to tackle these critical issues and deadlines, the outcome of the upcoming elections will play a significant role in shaping the legislative agenda and priorities for the next session. With the fate of federal funding, national security policy, and agricultural legislation hanging in the balance, lawmakers face a challenging road ahead as they navigate the post-election landscape.