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One more week to avoid a government shutdown

Congress begins its final scheduled work week before the November elections with a plan to avoid a government shutdown next month, but only days remain to pass that plan.

On Sunday, congressional leaders announced plans for a short-term budget extension to fund federal operations through Dec. 20. The money would allow for minimal disruptions to federal programs and services until the fall election and give the newly elected administration in the White House the ability to decide on the entire federal budget later this year.

House leaders had hoped for a longer extension and additional election security provisions in their initial budget proposals, but those plans did not receive enough support to move forward.

If lawmakers fail to pass the compromise plan by October 1, it could lead to a partial government shutdown, which could result in delays in paying salaries to military personnel and the closure of some non-essential services of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs Administration.

In a letter to his colleagues in the House of Representatives on Sunday, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Shutting down the government less than 40 days before a fateful election would be an act of political misconduct,” and urged members of the chamber to support the budget.

Here's what else is happening on Capitol Hill this week:

Tuesday, September 24

Senate for Foreign Affairs — 10 a.m. — 419 Dirksen
Threats from cyberspace

Outside experts will testify on cyber threats and the US response to them.

State Department — 10 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn

Blinken's disregard for Congress
The committee will consider the contempt of court charge against Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

House Supervision — 2pm — 2154 Rayburn

Financial management of the Ministry of Defense
Pentagon officials will testify about military financial management practices.

House Veterans Affairs Committee — 2:30 p.m. — 360 Cannon

Supervision of medical centers
VA officials will testify on allegations of management problems at VA medical centers.

Wednesday, September 25

Senate Homeland Security — 9:30 a.m. — 342 Dirksen
Pending transactions

The committee will review a number of pending bills and nominations.

Senate Foreign Affairs – 10 a.m. – Capitol S-116

Pending transactions
The committee will review a number of pending bills and nominations.

Home Delivery — 2pm — 2167 Rayburn

Coast Guard Operations
Officials will testify about the pace of daily operations within the agency.

House Veterans Affairs Committee — 2:30 p.m. — 360 Cannon

Support for caregivers
Representatives of veterans' advocates will testify in support of caregivers in the VA system.

Thursday, September 26

House Veterans Affairs Committee — 9 a.m. — 360 Cannon
VA planning

VA officials will testify about problems with appointment scheduling systems at department medical centers.

State Department — 10 a.m. — 2172 Rayburn

Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Watchdog groups will testify about waste, fraud and abuse in the country's foreign policy budget.

House Veterans Affairs Committee — 1 p.m. — 360 Cannon

Digital GI Bill Tools
Department officials will testify about problems with the VA's online GI Bill resources.

Leo covers Congress, veterans affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, DC, since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policy. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a 2009 Polk Award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism Award and the VFW News Media Award.

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