As the end of the fiscal year approaches, the threat of a government shutdown looms over Capitol Hill, with lawmakers returning from their August recess to confront budgetary issues.

Currently, the federal government operates under a continuing resolution that allocates approximately $1.7 trillion, which is set to expire on September 30, 2025.

To avoid a shutdown, Congress will likely need to pass a stop-gap measure before the end of September, as discussions on funding have started late this year due to a Republican focus on tax cuts.

As of now, the House has passed two out of twelve necessary spending bills, while the Senate has yet to approve any, although some Senate bills have received bipartisan support in committee.

Upcoming Senate sessions are expected to focus on military construction and veterans affairs funding, which typically sees less contention and is generally easier to pass.

President Donald Trump has proposed a budget that aims to significantly increase defense and border security funding while reducing allocations for health and education.

Despite their opposition to the current funding bill, Democrats voted to allow its progression to prevent a government shutdown, facing backlash from their progressive base.

House Democrats have warned that the GOP's recent decisions, including a $9 billion package of cuts, are leading toward a government shutdown.

Democratic lawmakers have articulated objections to Republican budget cuts, framing them as harmful to public health and supportive of wealthy individuals at the expense of working families.

Senate Democrats are reluctant to collaborate if they believe bipartisan agreements will later be undermined by Republican rescission packages that can be passed with a simple majority.

Vought criticized the traditional bipartisan process, suggesting that more partisan strategies could ultimately facilitate future bipartisan cooperation.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer has warned Republicans not to expect normal cooperation due to ongoing partisan conflicts.