Congress Faces Narrow Window to Avoid Government Shutdown

Rep. Pete Sessions warned Friday morning that time is running short for Congress to complete a government funding package and prevent another shutdown. The Texas Republican stated that House negotiators had landed on what he viewed as “a compromise” and “a bipartisan agreement,” but cautioned that “the events of the last 10 days have changed the calculus for people’s votes in a large way.”

With that shift, he emphasized that “it is not a sure deal,” even as lawmakers face the prospect of key operations halting if no agreement is reached by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday. Sessions stressed the importance of ensuring Homeland Security continues to function, noting the need for airports and borders to remain operational. He argued that “the stakes are too high for brinkmanship” and added that “this is something that no one should have an appetite for, allowing it to be shut down.”

The Republican majority in the House, which has been “down literally to an even vote,” noted that “everybody has to be on board” for the bill to pass. Sessions indicated that procedural steps could begin with a Rules Committee meeting “either Sunday or Monday,” but warned of potential complications due to travel disruptions and weather conditions. He also highlighted President Donald Trump’s nomination of former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell as chair, stating that Trump has been “unhappy with Jay Powell” and that “it is time for a change.” Sessions added, “We will welcome Kevin.”