Congress has just weeks to avoid a partial government shutdown after Thanksgiving

After Congress returns from their Thanksgiving break in December, they will have limited time to approve continued government spending past the looming Dec. 20 deadline. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that senators can expect a busy few weeks ahead in order to finish their work before the end of the year.

Both Democrats and Republicans must work together to keep the government funded beyond the Dec. 20 deadline. Schumer has not yet brought any appropriations bills to the floor for a vote, despite the fact that most bills have passed through committee. This has raised concerns about whether there will be enough time to pass individual bills before the deadline.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has suggested that lawmakers may opt for a short-term stopgap spending bill that would extend funding into the new year. This approach is favored by some Republicans who want to ensure that the GOP and the incoming Trump administration have a say in the spending bill.

If appropriations bills are not passed before the end of the year, Democrats will have more control over the budget for the rest of the fiscal year. This has led to speculation about whether Republicans will push for a short-term CR or if Democrats will push for a larger omnibus spending bill.

Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, has expressed concerns about the possibility of a large omnibus bill being passed before Christmas. He has urged the American people to contact their representatives and senators to voice their opposition to such a bill.

If Congress fails to pass a stopgap bill or appropriations package before Dec. 20, the government will face a partial shutdown. It is crucial for lawmakers to work together in the coming weeks to ensure that government funding is secured beyond the deadline.

Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, is closely following developments in the Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.