Summary

Congress faces a Dec. 20 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, likely passing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until March 2025.

This would delay a full spending deal but give Republicans more influence under Trump and a GOP-controlled Senate. However, it creates an early funding deadline in Trump’s term, complicating his agenda on tax cuts and immigration.

Democrats retain power to shape legislation due to the Senate’s 60-vote threshold.

Disaster relief funding and House Speaker Mike Johnson’s re-election further complicate negotiations.