Government Shutdown Disrupts Congressional Agenda
The government shutdown has entered its third week, with no funding deal in sight, causing hearings and markups to be canceled and work on appropriations and permitting reform to stall.
Lawmakers' priorities, including energy and environmental issues, are being neglected due to the impasse. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) plans to keep the House out of session for the week, while the Senate will return on Tuesday to vote on failed funding bills.
"We're not in a good mood here in the Capitol,"
Johnson stated, blaming Democrats for the shutdown. The stalemate is hindering congressional action on spending bills, permitting reform, and other bipartisan issues.
Key areas affected by the shutdown include:
- Appropriations and permitting reform
- Energy and environmental issues
- Farm policy
- Bipartisan imperatives
Author's summary: Shutdown impacts Congress' agenda.