Emergency Issue: Congress Is a Sh*tshow

Not so breaking news, but the 12:01 am funding deadline makes it critical

With less than seven hours to go, Congress is on the brink of a shutdown, just in time for the holidays.

The Path Forward Summary (BLUF): Out of options in the 11th hour, House Republicans have reintroduced a new bill under suspension of the rules. The bill is nearly identical to the one that failed last night—it funds the government until March, provides hurricane disaster relief, and offers economic assistance to farmers—but omits the Trump-requested debt ceiling provision. Passing it under suspension of the rules requires a two-thirds majority, so Republicans once again need Democratic support. With the text largely unchanged, opposition from Democrats—and possibly the Republicans who voted against the initial bill—remains a hurdle. Plus, the bill would still need to pass the Democrat-led Senate.

While some Republicans support a government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson is hoping to avoid it by sidestepping immediate fights over the debt ceiling. This leaves Johnson in a politi…