Lawmakers are returning to Washington to negotiate a full-year spending deal and avoid a government shutdown. Some House conservatives are demanding certain demands be included in the spending deal and have even suggested that a shutdown might not be a bad thing. Congress has a Sept. 30 deadline to fund the next fiscal year, and failing to reach an agreement could result in a partial government shutdown. A short-term continuing resolution is being considered to extend current funding levels while negotiations take place. The conservative House Freedom Caucus is demanding a border-security bill be attached to any short-term deal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer blames House Republican extremists for any potential shutdown. Reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration, renewing the farm bill, and agreeing on additional funding for Ukraine and disaster relief are also on the Senate’s agenda. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to move ahead with the Senate’s version of the appropriations bills.
