Congress Faces Tight Deadlines to Pass Critical Funding Bills

With a series of deadlines looming, Congress is under pressure to finalize government funding, amid divisions over policy priorities and spending levels.

Congressional leaders are working to pass the first set of government funding bills for 2024 by next Friday, with a more challenging set of bills due by March 22.
Negotiators are struggling with partisan policy additions and finding common ground on allocations, particularly for the more contentious bills.
Republicans are pushing for conservative policy changes in the funding discussions, while Democrats oppose 'poison pill' riders.
The use of continuing resolutions has become an annual affair, highlighting inefficiencies and disruptions in government funding processes.
Approximately 2 million individuals could lose access to benefits like WIC and LIHEAP if current funding levels continue, affecting low-income families and individuals.