MNI POLITICAL RISK- Congress To Return w/Govt Shutdown Looming

Executive summary:

• Lawmakers return to Washington next week with a challenging slate of priorities before a partial government shutdown on January 19. The status of government funding negotiations remains much the same as before the holiday recess. There is still no FY2024 topline spending deal in place, preventing appropriators from drafting bills to set funding for federal agencies, and raising the risk of a shutdown.
• Congress remains deadlocked in negotiations to secure the US-Mexico border and unlock a vote on supplemental funding for Ukraine and Israel.
• President Biden is facing pushback from progressive Democrats after bypassing Congress to transfer weapons to Israel.
• The risk of the Israel-Hamas conflict escalating has increased after Iran yesterday deployed a warship to the Red Sea in response to US Navy action against three Houthi boats.
• Maine has become the second state to bar former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot, raising questions about states’ interpretation of the constitution and elevating uncertainty surrounding Trump’s legal status.
• An extension of metals tariff waivers between the US and European Union has come into effect to allow negotiators more time to strike a steel and aluminium deal.
• Poll of the Day: Foreign policy has displaced the economy as the top issue for US adults in 2024.

Please find the full article attached below:

MNIPOLRISKUSDaily020124.pdf