Vox Sentences - It’s government shutdown season

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Hey readers!

Li Zhou here, filling in for Izzie Ramirez. Here’s what we’re following today: 

Up first: That’s right — it’s government shutdown season, again. 

In other news: Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists reach a ceasefire, automatic voter registration in Pennsylvania, Zelenskyy comes to the UN, and more. 

See you in your inbox tomorrow!

Why we’re talking about a government shutdown again

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

It’s that time of year. Congress is once more staring down a government funding deadline at the end of September — and things are looking grim. The threat of a shutdown is especially high this year given Republican control of the House, and a promise from far-right members that they’ll reject funding bills unless their demands on issues like spending cuts are met. 

The lowdown: 

• House Republicans have an extremely narrow majority, made even smaller by absences. That gives any group of four or more GOP lawmakers the ability to block a bill. 
• Conservatives in the House are using a shutdown as leverage. In an attempt to secure policy wins on issues like the border wall and Ukraine aid, conservative lawmakers are using the fact that GOP leaders need every vote they can get to hold government spending bills hostage, since they’re must-pass legislation. 
• They’re also openly threatening House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s leadership. Due to a new House rule, any one member can force a vote on removing McCarthy from the job of speaker, though a majority of the House would have to vote to do so in order for it to happen. Conservatives have threatened to depose McCarthy if he doesn’t offer them the policies they want. 
• There was a House deal, but it’s pretty much DOA. Leaders in the Freedom Caucus and the more pragmatic Main Street Caucus had helped negotiate a short-term funding deal with McCarthy, which would keep the government open through October, cut spending levels across the board by roughly 1 percent, and restart construction of a border wall. This agreement was panned by both House conservatives and Senate Democrats alike. 

The stakes: A government shutdown — depending on how long it goes — could affect federal employees and services. 

When the government shuts down, agencies are typically forced to furlough some of their employees, while others work without pay. Additionally, there can be disruptions to key services like immigration courts, some food inspections, and facilities at National Parks. 

Historically, Republicans have not fared well when they’ve caused shutdowns, with the public blaming them for the dysfunction in both 2013 and 2019. 

It’s also unclear at this point what an actual funding agreement would entail, since conservatives have been so hardline about their demands. Due to House Republicans’ narrow majority, it’s likely that McCarthy will have to rely on Democratic help to pass any type of deal that either avoids or ends a potential shutdown. And even if McCarthy were to manage to pass a bill that includes conservatives’ requirements, such a measure would likely be rejected by the Senate.  

Read my overview on some of the dynamics driving the threat of a shutdown, here. 

The ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, briefly explained

Karen Minasyan/AFP/Getty Images

Tuesday, Azerbaijan attacked the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is home to Armenian separatists, a move that raised fears of a potential military conflict between the two countries. A ceasefire's now been called. Here’s what you need to know:

• The region is a disputed area, and has been the subject of two wars. Although it is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it has a majority Armenian population. [CNN]
• Azerbaijan used military force including drones and heavy artillery in what it described as an “anti-terrorist” effort that claimed at least 25 lives. [Reuters]
• That attack has since been halted, and Azerbaijan and the Armenian separatists have agreed to a ceasefire, with talks yet to come about the region’s future and possible reintegration. [Al Jazeera]

Join Unexplainable in NYC!

Vox’s award-winning science podcast is hosting a live night of fun and learning with special guest comedian and writer Wyatt Cenac on Thursday, September 21. 

• Pennsylvania becomes the latest state to have automatic voter registration. It joins 23 states and DC in implementing this change, making it easier for people to register when they get a driver’s license or ID. [CNN]

• Zelenskyy to DC. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Joe Biden and members of Congress this week, as some House Republicans balk at more aid. [New York Times]
  
• Senate dress code drama. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has relaxed the requirements of what lawmakers can wear on the floor, so that it’s now possible to wear a T-shirt and jeans. The decision has prompted Republicans to attack progressive Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who can often be spotted in a hoodie. [The Hill]
• Introducing the American Climate Corps. The White House is rolling out a climate jobs program that it says could put 20,000 people to work in its first year. [NPR]
  

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