House and Senate take different paths to avoid shutdown before midterms

As a critical funding deadline approaches, the U.S. Congress is divided on how to keep the government operational. Lawmakers are eager to avoid a costly shutdown ahead of the midterm elections, but divergent strategies between the House and Senate have emerged.

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we are in discussions on that

The House is preparing to vote on a short-term measure to fund the government through the midterms. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans to bring a separate continuing resolution to the floor before the August recess. Thune cited "productive conversation on both sides of the aisle" for a funding measure and asked Sen. Susan Collins to draft a "bipartisan and clean continuing resolution."

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we're working on solutions to fund the government

This difference in approach underscores a key divide: the Senate, with its 60-vote threshold for advancing legislation, requires Democratic support. The House, with its narrow Republican majority, can pass measures on a partisan basis. Thune downplayed the differing tactics, stating, "Everybody's going the same direction. It's just, we have a slightly … different process. We need Democrats over here."

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Everybody's going the same direction. It's just, we have a slightly … different process. We need Democrats over here.

Past funding fights have led to significant government shutdowns, including a 43-day closure last fall and a 70-day partial shutdown earlier this year. These disputes have stalled the current appropriations process, with both chambers now navigating different paths to avert another impasse.

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bipartisan and clean continuing resolution