Trump’s stark warning unveiled.
President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. government could grind to a halt if lawmakers fail to approve a key funding bill this week.
America’s turbulent history highlighted.
The looming shutdown is yet another chapter in America’s turbulent history with funding crises.
In 1995-96, the Clinton administration saw a 21-day shutdown caused by budget disputes.
A 16-day closure followed in 2013, when Democrats and Republicans clashed over healthcare spending.
Each shutdown resulted in unpaid workers, shuttered services, and economic strain.
Context of looming Government shutdown explained.
The issue stems from a temporary spending bill passed in December, intended to keep government operations running.
House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed that bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which extended funding through March 14.
If Congress doesn’t pass a new measure by Friday, a government shutdown could follow, forcing federal employees to stay home without pay.
Government shutdowns have historically disrupted services, delayed payments, and cost the economy billions.
The 35-day shutdown from late 2018 to early 2019 remains the longest in U.S. history.
That prolonged closure saw parks shuttered, government workers unpaid, and services crippled.
To avoid a repeat, Republicans recently put forward a CR that would fund the government until September 30, the end of fiscal year 2025.
A crucial vote on that proposal is set to take place on March 11.
Trump’s warning detailed.
Trump delivered the warning on Sunday, March 9, stressing the urgency as a major deadline approaches.
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged that a shutdown is possible, saying, “It could happen.”
He criticized the situation, claiming the funding crisis “shouldn’t have happened” in the first place.
Still, Trump expressed hope that lawmakers would reach an agreement before time runs out.
“I think the CR is going to get passed. We’ll see,” he told reporters.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump urged Congress to pass the spending bill, calling it “very good.”
He encouraged Republicans to back the measure, writing, “All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week.”
Trump claimed the measure would “give us a few months to get us through to September” and stabilize the country’s finances.
He blamed Democrats for allegedly pushing for a shutdown, warning that Republicans must remain unified.
Reactions to Trump’s proposal clarified.
Despite Trump’s support, some Republicans have voiced frustration with the proposed plan.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky announced his opposition to the CR.
Massie criticized the plan as wasteful, declaring, “I’m not voting for the Continuing Resolution budget… this week.”
He claimed the CR perpetuates “waste, fraud, and abuse” that should have been addressed months ago.
Massie recalled that lawmakers previously vowed to fight for stronger reforms in March, only to delay again.
In response, Trump fired back, calling for Massie to face a primary challenge for his opposition.
Trump compared Massie to former Representative Liz Cheney, who famously opposed him and later lost her seat.
Massie defended his stance, insisting he was standing on principle rather than party pressure.
March 14 deadline looms.
With the March 14 deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on Congress to prevent yet another costly halt in government operations.
The fate of federal services — and countless American workers — now hangs in the balance.