When is the next possible government shutdown deadline and how can it be avoided?

The Senate is in session after the summer recess, and it is facing a new fight over government funding. If the House and Senate are unable to agree on any of the 12 spending measures that are on the table in a couple of weeks, a government shutdown could take place as federal agencies run out of cash at the end of this month.

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What is a government shutdown and how can it be avoided?

A shutdown takes place when the federal government’s funding for its discretionary spending programs expires (in this case, on September 30), and Congress has not passed a budget or a continuing resolution (CR) to fund government operations.

This means that various federal agencies and departments do not have the necessary funds to continue their regular functions, and many non-essential government employees are furloughed or placed on temporary unpaid leave.

There is the possibility of Congress passing a short-term bill so a shutdown can be avoided after the September 30 deadline passes. If both houses are able to come up with a CR, government agencies can continue to receive funds at existing levels. However, even a short-term solution is seen to be difficult to achieve.

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What part of the government are affected by a shutdown?

The most common areas affected by a government shutdown include national parks and monuments, federal research agencies, immigration services, among others.

During a shutdown, essential services like national defense, law enforcement, and emergency response continue to operate, but non-essential functions are scaled back or put on hold. The length of a shutdown can vary, as it depends on when Congress can reach an agreement on funding.

Government shutdowns can have significant economic and social impacts, affecting government employees, contractors, and the general public.