Republican veto bill to prevent shutdown of US government

Republican representatives on Friday (September 29, 2023) rejected a bill proposed by the party itself to fund the US government for 30 days. As a result, the shutdown of federal agencies is imminent and could take place as early as Sunday (October 1, 2023).

“This is not the end; I have other ideas“, Republican Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the US House and a sponsor of the plan, said after the vote.

232 votes were cast against the motion and 198 were in favor. The text establishes spending cuts and restrictions on immigration. Despite Republican support for these agendas, the Democratic-majority Senate is unlikely to approve the measures. Here it is Full plan (PDF – 165 kB).

as shutdown (Closing, in English), Central Government employees will be placed on leave and advised not to report for work. Employees in essential sectors such as security continue to work but are not paid.

The plan must be approved by Congress and approved by President Joe Biden this Saturday (Sept. 30) for federal agencies to continue operating.

Biden warned of potential impacts on the armed forces. “We cannot play politics when our soldiers are in question. This is complete dereliction of duty”, the North American president announced on Friday (September 29).

“Strike”

In 1884, the US government passed the Anti-Deficit Act – which prohibits spending more than authorized without Congressional approval.

Therefore, annually, the Legislature must approve 12 appropriations bills to fund all public expenditures. If this is not done, the departments that do not get approval for expenditure will be stalled – Th shutdown.

Since 1976, when the US moved the start of the fiscal year to October 1, the government has shut down 21 times. Among these, 1995, 2013 and 2018 are the most relevant.

The last strike occurred during the administration of former President Donald Trump and was the longest to date: it lasted 34 days. Read more in this report.