Congress faces looming shutdown with just 11 days left to reach funding deal

With just 11 days remaining before the government runs out of funding, Congress is scrambling to avoid a shutdown.

According to US media, lawmakers remain deeply divided, and no clear path to a deal has emerged, raising concerns about the impact on federal services, workers, and the economy, Caliber.Az reports.

The deadlock centres around the Senate’s 60-vote rule, which requires support from both parties to pass a funding bill. While Republicans control both the House and Senate, they still need Democratic backing to keep the government running past March 14.

Since a long-term funding deal remains out of reach, President Trump and congressional leaders are pushing for a short-term extension.

“I’m not optimistic. I don’t think we’re going to have a budget,” said Sen. John Kennedy, expressing doubts about a resolution.

He also noted that Democrats insist on limiting executive power over spending decisions, further complicating negotiations.

One key dispute is over agency funding control. Democrats seek to restrict Trump and adviser Elon Musk from cutting or shutting down agencies without Congress’ approval. Republicans reject this, instead backing budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce wasteful spending.

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke on NBC's "Meet the Press" on March 2, reaffirming the Republican position and advocating for a bill "to freeze funding at current levels" while including DOGE savings and Trump’s revenue policies.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats support a deal that "promotes the economic well-being, health, and safety of everyday Americans" and accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate.

The White House has proposed adjustments to the bill, including $32 billion in flexible Defence Department spending, which some Democrats call an unregulated fund. It also seeks to cut $20 billion from International Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement while increasing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation funding.

With a narrow 218-215 Republican majority and opposition from conservative members, Johnson may need Democratic support to pass a temporary funding bill. However, moderate Republicans, like Rep. Tony Gonzales, oppose another short-term extension, arguing Congress should pass full-year spending bills.

As the March 14 deadline nears, Congress remains at an impasse, making a government shutdown increasingly likely unless a compromise is reached soon.

By Tamilla Hasanova