WASHINGTON – As Congress reconvenes after its summer recess on Monday, lawmakers have only three weeks to determine how to ensure the government remains operational before funding runs out on September 30, thereby avoiding an imminent shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has suggested extending funding through next March to prevent a standoff at Christmas or a disruptive fight over spending as the contentious election approaches.

However, to achieve this, Johnson is also advocating for a bill that mandates individuals to prove their citizenship to register to vote. President Joe Biden has promised to veto this bill, stating that it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections and that the new requirement would create obstacles for Americans trying to register.

This bill passed the House in July, garnering support from 216 Republicans and five Democrats.

“The big question now is whether we will attach it to funding in September,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the bill’s sponsor, mentioned on the War Room podcast earlier this week. “I believe we should, as does President Trump and it seems Mike Johnson is on board as well.”

Have lawmakers reached an agreement on government funding?

Not exactly. It remains uncertain whether this combined funding and voting bill can make it through the House, which Republicans hold by a very slim margin. Some Republicans have already expressed reservations about this approach, and it is likely to face strong opposition in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

“Insisting on extreme partisan demands is a dealbreaker,” stated Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash. “We’ve been through this before, and we know the outcome.”

Democrats are not the only ones creating obstacles. Staff for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has reportedly advised House Republicans against linking the voting legislation with funding talks. They are worried this would complicate the funding timeline and lead Democrats to advocate for their own voting policies, which Republicans might prefer to avoid during an election year.

So what is the likely resolution? With the elections just weeks away, neither party stands to gain from a government shutdown.

In light of these political complexities, Rep. Nick LaLota, a vulnerable Republican from New York facing a tough election this fall, reportedly inquired about the consequences if the Senate doesn’t cooperate. However, Johnson indicated he wouldn’t disclose any plans publicly.

This scenario echoes a familiar pattern in Congress, which is often deeply divided. Hardline Republicans in the House push for policy changes that are unlikely to succeed in the Senate and the White House, risking government funding deadlines before eventually opting for an extension to avert disaster. Congress previously missed its funding deadline in 2023 by several months, resorting to what are known as continuing resolutions, which allow lawmakers to delay decisions.

The upcoming elections add more urgency for all parties involved, prompting lawmakers to look for a less dramatic way forward.

What occurs during a government shutdown?

If lawmakers fail to secure funding by the end of this month, all federal agencies, except those deemed “essential” – such as the U.S. Postal Service, Medicare, and Social Security – will cease operations.

Congress itself won’t be fully affected: while lawmakers will continue to work and receive their salaries during a shutdown, numerous congressional staff members will remain unpaid throughout this period.

Other repercussions of a full government shutdown include furloughs for federal employees, delays in government food assistance benefits, and closures of national parks.

Air traffic controllers will stay on duty during a shutdown, as will customs and border agents. However, passport processing may be paused, and without wages for working controllers or training for new FAA staff, both the airline industry and travelers might experience disruptions.

Contributing: Savannah Kuchar