Congress Returns to Washington in Race Against Clock to Avert Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives returns to session Monday afternoon with a narrow window to pass critical spending legislation and avoid a partial government shutdown that could begin this weekend. Republican leaders are urging swift approval of a short-term funding package, but the path forward remains fraught with political divisions over immigration enforcement and budget priorities.

The looming deadline marks the fourth time since September that Congress has faced a funding lapse threat. A temporary measure passed in November expires Friday at midnight for agencies covering veterans affairs, transportation, housing, and energy programs. Failure to act would trigger furloughs for thousands of federal employees and disrupt services nationwide.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has circulated a proposal that would extend funding through early March for some agencies and through late March for others — a "laddered" approach previously criticized by some conservatives. The plan faces opposition from far-right Freedom Caucus members demanding stricter border security measures, while Democrats object to spending cuts and policy riders.

"We're working against a tight timeline, but a shutdown is irresponsible and avoidable," said Rep. Ashley Cartwright (D-Calif.), a member of the Appropriations Committee. "This brinksmanship hurts federal workers and military families who deserve certainty."

Meanwhile, border security remains a flashpoint. Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Gregory Bovino faced bipartisan criticism after federal agents used tear gas during a migrant processing operation in Minneapolis. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated Bovino "crossed the line" in his handling of the situation.

The House is also expected to consider a resolution honoring the late Rep. Eleanor Vance (D-Ore.), who died last month after serving 12 terms. The "In memoriam" measure highlights her work on climate legislation and veteran healthcare.

Amid the legislative scramble, public attention has turned to motivational speaker Mel Robbins' viral "Let Them Theory" — a philosophy urging detachment from others' choices. Some commentators have ironically applied the concept to congressional dysfunction, suggesting voters should "let them" face consequences for governance failures.

Voices from the Public

Marcus Chen, 42, small business owner from Ohio: "Another week, another shutdown threat. My company contracts with the DOT — these delays hold up our payments and project timelines. It feels like governing by chaos."

Rebecca Hayes, 58, federal employee in Virginia: "I've worked through three shutdowns. Each time, my family scrambles to adjust finances while essential work piles up. This isn't a political game — real people's livelihoods are at stake."

Derrick Miller, 37, political commentator (sharp tone): "This is performative incompetence. They create crises, then heroically 'solve' them with temporary patches while collecting donations from lobbyists. The entire system is engineered to fail the public while protecting incumbents."

Priya Sharma, 29, graduate student in public policy: "The laddered CR approach just kicks the can down the road. We need budget reforms that end this cycle, but neither party seems willing to address the structural problems."