Lawmakers in Washington face a January 30 deadline to approve funding for remaining federal agencies and programs, as Congress works to complete the current fiscal year’s appropriations and avoid another government shutdown.
The deadline follows a government shutdown in November that affected multiple federal departments and services. During the shutdown, several agencies partially closed, some federal employees worked without pay, others went on furlough, and a number of public services experienced delays or suspensions.
Congress previously passed partial funding measures that covered some federal operations. Several major departments and smaller agencies still require new appropriations before the January 30 cutoff to maintain full operations for the rest of the fiscal year.
Negotiations continue in both the House and Senate as lawmakers seek bipartisan agreement on spending levels and policy provisions. Appropriations committee members and staff are reviewing agency requests, prior funding levels, and updated cost estimates while drafting final bill language.
The legislative schedule adds pressure to the process. Congressional rules require time for public release and review of funding bills before votes, limiting how quickly lawmakers can move the measures to the floor.
Federal agencies are monitoring developments and preparing contingency plans in case funding lapses again. Departments are coordinating with the Office of Management and Budget on procedures that address essential operations, employee status, and public communication.
Many workers cite financial and personal disruptions caused by the November shutdown, while organizations that rely on federal grants warn that delayed funding could affect program operations.
House and Senate leaders are weighing whether to package the remaining funding into a single omnibus bill or advance multiple smaller measures. The White House is also engaged in discussions with congressional leaders, as the president must sign the final legislation for it to take effect.
If Congress acts before January 30, the government will operate under full-year funding. Failure to meet the deadline could result in another partial shutdown for agencies without approved appropriations.
