The U.S. government's stopgap spending measure is set to expire on March 14, leading to discussions of a potential shutdown. Past experiences reveal a pattern where shutdown threats are common but often resolved through last-minute deals. However, the current situation is complicated with no significant negotiations in sight, lack of bipartisan agreement, and internal divisions within the GOP caucus. The Democrats retain the ability to block measures with a filibuster, which further complicates the prospects for reaching an agreement before the deadline.
If your instinct is to scoff at the latest talk of a government shutdown as a boy-cries-wolf phenomenon, that's understandable.
In the fall of 2023, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy cut a last-second spending deal with Democrats that led directly to the loss of his gavel.
There are several reasons this time might be different, including the lack of agreement within GOP caucuses and a Senate filibuster.
Despite their apparent powerlessness, Democrats can block appropriations measures with a Senate filibuster as they could in 2018.
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