January 1, Congress Stalls While Shutdown Threat Grows

Wyatt’s Take

• Congress hasn’t funded the government for the full year yet.
• Focus is on healthcare plans instead of passing bills.
• Another partial shutdown could hit by February if nothing changes.

Congress only has until the end of January to pass nine big funding bills, but so far, lawmakers aren’t getting it done. The House won’t vote on anything before Christmas, and leaders are more focused on healthcare than on keeping the government open.

Republicans revealed a plan to lower health care premiums as a response to Democrats’ failed efforts on Obamacare tax credits. The Senate is bogged down with a five-bill package, thanks to some sticking points among Republicans arguing over earmarks.

There’s only seven weeks left before money runs dry, and it usually takes weeks to move bills through both chambers. The funding package would handle money for transportation, defense, labor, commerce, and other major areas, but it hasn’t been released publicly yet and may have billions directed toward special projects.

Most agencies are stuck running on old funding levels. Congress hasn’t passed a real 2025 budget but has just kept things running through temporary fixes.

The last shutdown happened after a fight over Obamacare subsidies and only ended once enough Democrats agreed to reopen things. Only three of twelve full-year funding bills have actually passed, so most of the government is still waiting on real funding.

If Congress doesn’t act by February 1, another shutdown could hit, causing problems for everyone who relies on federal services.

Don’t let D.C.’s gridlock mess with your paycheck and daily life. Keep paying attention so your voice gets heard next time politicians come knocking.

Wyatt Matters

Washington’s careless delays show the power the political class holds over ordinary people. Folks in Middle America always feel the pain first when government grinds to a halt.

Getting back to basics—like passing a real budget on time—would bring some much-needed common sense to Congress.

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