From National Council of Nonprofits
Shutdown Day 15 Update
After eight failed votes to reopen the government, Senate Leader Thune (R-SD) is changing strategies to increase pressure on Democrats. On Thursday, the Senate will vote on the House-passed Defense spending bill. If Democrats vote in support of the bill, it could undermine their leverage in negotiations over reopening the government and extending the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire this year. The move could split Democrats, who have largely remained unified in their approach so far.
At the same time, Republican leaders are working to advance a "minibus," a package of full-year appropriations bills for some spending areas, including Agriculture/Food and Drug Administration (Ag), Military Construction/Veterans Affairs (MILCON-VA), and the Legislative Branch. A full-year spending bill for Transportation - Housing and Urban Development (THUD) could be added as well.
To maximize pressure on Democrats, President Trump said he will announce on Friday a new recission package should the government shutdown drag on. According to the President, “We’re closing up programs that are Democrat programs that we were opposed to," including “the most egregious, socialist, semi communist, probably not full communist” programs. The recission package will likely be pre-negotiated with congressional Republicans to ensure enough support for enactment. One big question is whether the recission package will include cuts beyond programs at the U.S. Department of Education and foreign aid - which have been the targets of the past two recission packages passed by Congress. The Senate can enact a recission package with only 50 votes, allowing Republicans to rescind federal funds without Democratic input.
Today, a federal court will hear arguments on litigation brought by labor unions representing federal workers against the Trump Administration for its mass layoffs during the shutdown. The plaintiffs allege that there is no statutory basis for layoffs, and they are asking for a temporary restraining order. The Administration says that it might lay off as many as 10,000 federal employees.
Impacts
While things could change at any time, D.C. insiders expect the shutdown could continue through October, possibly into November.
If the shutdown continues:
October 17 - many federal courts could be forced to close;
October 20 - Senate staff will miss their paychecks (don't worry - Senators will still be paid on time!);
October 24 - many federal workers will miss their paychecks for work done this month; and
October 31 - military members will miss their paycheck (although the Administration has shifted funds to make their October 15 paychecks).
November 1 - the Administration says they have shifted money to keep WIC and SNAP funded, but there may still be a disruption of services.
Take Action
The only way to end the government shutdown is for Congress and the White House to reach a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and allow nonprofits to continue their essential work.
You can take action:
Share Your Story Use NCN's storytelling tool to share real examples of how the government shutdown is harming nonprofits and their communities. Sharing these stories is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard.
Contact Your Members of Congress. Use NCN's email template to send a message directly to your Senators and Representatives, urging them to work across the aisle to reopen the government.