Government shutdown (and debt ceiling)
As we are all painfully aware, September 30, 2025 was the last day of the fiscal year for the federal government. Unless Congress acted, government funding would expire. On September 19, the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through mid-November, but the Senate voted down that CR, forcing both sides back to the bargaining table.
Let’s be a fly on the wall, shan’t we? Let’s see what our boys and girls in DC did while yet another manufactured crisis looms. Manufactured, that is, unless your paycheck relies on their acting like adults.
Note that these posts include all relevant bills and reports and meetings related to that issue through close of business September 25, after which it’s pretty much too late, since Speaker Mike Johnson shut down the House on September 29 and 30.
I’m also posting here the bills that were introduced prior to August 25, 2025, in an effort to present a complete picture of how the two parties seem to view the current fiscal crisis.
Note #1: I am keeping this going. Sooo, they've kicked the can down the road to January? All of this will become relevant--One. More. Time.
Note #2: I am purposely conflating the debt ceiling and “funding the government,” since the battle lines themselves are unclear, vague, and move depending on whether Republicans are attacking a Democratic president or defending Trump. Because their positions are not set in stone. They are quite variable, reflecting their perceived grasp on power.
Highlighted legislation has bipartisan sponsorship.
Proposed legislation:
- October 10, 2025 – December 3, 2025:
- September 26, 2025 - October 9, 2025:
- June 12, 2025 – September 25, 2025: You only need look at the almost-identical H.R.5451 and H.R.5455 to comprehend the utter dysfunction in the House of Representatives. For shame! - In addition, Democrats without Republican cosponsorship tried to pass legislation that would exempt federal employees from the effects of the government shutdown.
If my work helps you in your research, please consider leaving a tip here: TIP JAR.