Government shutdown scenario "haunts" America again

AP reported that the White House has asked federal agencies to prepare for a government shutdown scenario, because Republicans in the House of Representatives have not yet agreed to pass a budget agreement.

If no agreement is reached by the September 30 deadline, non-essential federal agencies will be forced to shut down. October 1 will begin the new US fiscal year.

"If federal employees are not paid, it's the Republicans' fault," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stressed. "Our message is: This cannot happen. Their job is to keep essential programs running, to keep the government running."

Kịch bản đóng cửa chính phủ lại ám ảnh Mỹ - Ảnh 1.

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy speaks at Capitol Hill on September 22. Photo: AP

President Joe Biden also blamed Republicans, who wanted to cut spending even more than the deal reached in June. This deal temporarily "lifted" the US government's borrowing ceiling until early 2025, that is, after the US presidential election in November 2024.

A US government shutdown after September 30 appears certain unless House Speaker Kevin McCarthy can convince the Republican right wing to pass a temporary funding measure while negotiations continue.

"Hopefully we can reach an agreement by September 26 to pass the budget bills," said Mr. McCarthy.

Mr McCarthy's remarks mean there are only five days left for members of Congress to resolve budget disagreements.

The disagreement over government funding is threatening to disrupt payments for the military, law enforcement, food safety and assistance programs, passport and travel issues, which could have a negative impact on the US economy .

The US House and Senate may consider a short-term proposal to give lawmakers more time to negotiate.

The proposal would cut spending across most federal agencies and extend funding through October.

Bang Hung

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