Government Shutdown Impacts Congress' Agenda
The government shutdown, now in its third week, has caused hearings and markups to be canceled, and work on appropriations and permitting reform has stalled.
Lawmakers are not close to a funding deal, and other priorities, such as energy and environmental issues, are being neglected.
- Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) plans to keep the House out of session for the week, unless there is a breakthrough.
- The Senate will return on Tuesday with planned votes on failed funding bills, but no other items are on the agenda.
"We're not in a good mood here in the Capitol,"
Johnson said, accusing Democrats of prolonging the shutdown.
Congressional action on full-year spending bills, permitting reform, farm policy, and other bipartisan issues has become increasingly difficult due to the impasse.
Author's summary: Shutdown affects Congress' agenda.