Shutdown Looms as U.S. Congress Returns from August Recess

Congressional Republicans scored a major win this summer by passing President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending cuts without a single Democratic vote.

The most pressing challenge remains funding the government beyond Sept. 30, when current funding expires.

But as lawmakers return from their August recess, they face the prospect of a government shutdown unless they can work with Democrats — or find a way around them, Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking, and Stephen Groves reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The annual spending fight will dominate September’s agenda, alongside a possible Republican push to change Senate rules to limit Democratic stalling tactics on nominations.

Senators are also debating legislation that would impose steep tariffs on some of Russia’s trading partners as Washington increases pressure on President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine.

In the House, Republicans plan to continue investigations of former President Joe Biden, while Speaker Mike Johnson manages divisions over whether the Trump administration should release more files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The most pressing challenge remains funding the government beyond Sept. 30, when current funding expires.

Congress will need to pass a short-term spending measure to keep agencies running while negotiations continue.

But with Republicans lacking the votes to act alone, Democrats are expected to demand concessions in exchange for supporting any extension, Matt Brown and Joey Cappelletti also reported for AP.