With Senate in recess and no bill passed, government shutdown will start at midnight
The Senate is in recess until 12:01 a.m. Friday, and because they failed to pass a spending bill, a government shutdown will start at midnight.
White House Office of Management and Budget spokesman John Czwartacki said federal agencies are "now being urged to review and prepare for a lapse" in spending after midnight. Congress was expected to vote Thursday on a two-year deal that includes a roughly $300 billion bump for military spending and domestic programs, as well as nearly $90 billion for disaster relief. This was stalled by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who refused to go along with his fellow senators to move to hold a vote, citing concerns about adding to the deficit.
The Senate plans on voting on the matter early Friday, but it's unclear how the bill will fare in the House, and leaders there are advising members to "prepare for late night or early morning votes." This will be the second government shutdown in less than a month.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
