Most signs indicate that the partial government shutdown will continue into 2019 and into the 116th Congress. Both the House and Senate have canceled votes for the remainder of the week, which means the spending negotiations will take on a new dynamic when Nancy Pelosi takes the helm with the new Democratic majority in the House on January 3, 2019.
It remains unclear what type of spending package will reopen the government, but there are several scenarios that could end the partial government shutdown, including the passage of a long-term continuing resolution (CR) at current spending levels or the passage of the Senate-passed CR that would approve funding through February 8. House leaders hope to pass a bill shortly after the adjournment of the new Congress, leading to new negotiations with the Republican-controlled Senate.
There are other spending options that may get the bipartisan approval needed to reach the president’s desk, but with the new Democratic majority in the House, it remains almost certain that any spending deal will not include funding for the border wall.
Agency Shutdown Statements
