Congressional leaders are looking to minimize potential conflicts leading up to the September 30 deadline for government funding, signaling that both Republicans and Democrats may not reach a straightforward agreement for a “clean” extension lasting 45 days or possibly longer.
Democrats aim to maintain pathways for bipartisan negotiations to prevent government shutdowns. They are hesitant to firmly oppose the withdrawal of the $5 billion proposed by Trump, preferring instead to let the courts handle his attempts to bypass Congress by unilaterally cutting funds.
If things are left to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries—the so-called “Four Corners”—they might swiftly agree on a brief, uncomplicated funding measure.
However, Trump remains a key player, introducing unpredictability into the discussions.
Some Republican senators have voiced concerns that Trump or Budget Director Russell Vought could complicate negotiations with demands Democrats might find unacceptable.
Unlike six months ago, when Senate Democrats, including Schumer, reluctantly backed a funding bill to avoid shutdowns, they are now vocal about their intent to pursue a partisan continuing resolution (CR) that they could pass just before the deadline.
“Schumer has essentially told Republicans that their partisan CR is a non-starter,” remarked a Democratic senator who wished to remain anonymous for discussing internal strategy.
Back in March, Schumer had been cautious about pushing back against House Republicans who sought significant spending cuts without Democratic input.
He was concerned that Republicans would build considerable political momentum from the 2024 elections, gaining too much power to control federal spending.
Some lawmakers are wary of Schumer being blamed for a potential shutdown, but there seems to be a shift among Democrats toward a firmer stance against partisan CRs moving forward.
Thune and Johnson, aligned with conservative views in the Senate, have indicated that Democrats would likely agree to clean, straightforward funding measures in October without controversial stipulations or major cuts.
Both lawmakers emphasize that the 2026 spending bill could be extended simply to allow additional time for comprehensive negotiations.
“I hope the CR is uncomplicated, just a way to buy time to finalize the standard spending process,” Thune told reporters.
“We believe that government should be funded through the regular spending process. This year, in contrast to previous years when Democrats held the majority, we hope for a revisable process that allows all members to voice their opinions.”
Johnson shared with Punch Bowl News that he is keen to avoid a government shutdown. He mentioned having “productive discussions” with Jeffries.
The current tone among GOP leaders is notably different from the more confrontational stance taken earlier this year. Back then, the GOP pursued a long-term funding solution without Democratic involvement, which eventually reached the House but faced hurdles in the Senate right before the deadline.
Both Schumer and Jeffries have expressed openness to short-term funding solutions, as long as they are bipartisan and do not involve contentious demands, such as reversing Trump’s proposed $5 billion cut to the State Department and the International Development Agency.
“The bottom line is straightforward. We want a bipartisan bill, which makes it tougher for Republicans,” said Schumer.
He did not explicitly state that Democrats would block the funding bill if Trump didn’t retract the proposal.
“We require bipartisan proposals with legitimate input,” he added.
A Democratic senator, who asked for anonymity to discuss party strategy, remarked that Democrats would likely let the courts address the withdrawal issue.
“The goal is to pass a 45-day CR while also completing two major spending bills: Defense and Health and Welfare, which would cover most of the government,” the senator explained.
Lawmakers fear Trump’s proposed cuts represent an overreach of congressional authority, but they predict that Democrats wouldn’t seek a shutdown to force a reversal.
“It’s under judicial review, and we might succeed there, so this isn’t the right moment for a showdown,” the source added.
Senate Budget Committee Chair Susan Collins and Senator Patty Murray hope to include military construction, veterans, agriculture, and legislative funding in the upcoming stopgap measure.
Before the August break, the Senate passed three spending bills covering these sectors.
Conservative Republicans are also adopting a more accommodating approach as fall approaches.
They express readiness to stabilize funding levels and move forward with funding measures, much like they did earlier this year, without insisting on deep cuts.
The funds approved by Congress in March included $7 billion less than the fiscal agreement reached by President Biden and Kevin McCarthy, and it also reduced $15 billion from de-evacuation funds compared to the 2025 deal made between Biden and McCarthy.
Conservatives are now recognizing that the House cannot impede Senate Democrats with spending cuts this month.
“I’m not sure if that’s realistic,” said Senator Ron Johnson, a known fiscal conservative, when questioned about urban cuts alongside a funding continuation.
Instead, he advocates for a long-term CR that stabilizes funding levels until 2026.
“I prefer a one-year resolution that keeps funding stable rather than a year-end omnibus filled with various goals and projects.”
“I want things to remain straightforward and uncomplicated,” he concluded.
