There's no easy answer for Republicans as they move toward a stopgap bill to push a key government funding deadline to early 2025, which could complicate Trump's other plans.

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.