Lawmakers have just one week left to reach a federal funding deal or trigger a partial government shutdown that would shutter some Defense Department and Veterans Affairs services.
Current federal funding runs out March 14, almost halfway through the current fiscal year. House Republicans in recent days have discussed the possibility of a six-month budget extension bill in lieu of a full-year budget for fiscal 2025, but it’s unclear if Senate Democrats would lend support to the idea.
If a shutdown occurs, troops and essential defense employees would be required to continue working, but their paychecks would be halted unless Congress passes legislation protecting those payments.
Non-essential programs — like base maintenance and family support programs — would be halted for the duration of a shutdown, as would some VA information lines and non-critical health services. Lawmakers are expected to spend most of the week trying to avoid those closures, and they hope to reach a deal before the Friday midnight deadline.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
