Congress Faces Looming Deadline: Will They Prevent a Government Shutdown?

Congress returns to Washington on Tuesday with less than 5 days to reach an agreement to prevent a government shutdown. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been unable to unify Republicans on a short-term funding plan that would satisfy conservative hardliners and keep his leadership position. The Senate will start moving forward with its short-term funding bill, but it will likely fail in the House without Democratic and moderate Republican support. Some Republicans are frustrated that hardliners are focusing on passing conservative full-year spending bills rather than compromising to prevent a shutdown. Moderates are considering teaming up with Democrats on a "discharge petition" to bypass McCarthy and force a vote on a funding bill.