Schumer: "Tight Squeeze" To Avoid Government Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has told reporters that he is "hopeful" that the Congress can avoid a government shutdown but conceded: "We’re not quite there yet. But we’re close... it will be a tight squeeze."

• The final text of the six-bill package is yet to be released and it is now within the 72-hour window demanded by informal House Republican convention. Speaker Johnson (R-LA) is now widely expected to wave the 72-hour rule and pass the package under suspension, with Democrat support. Johnson told Fox News earlier today: "There’s nothing sacred about 72 hours."
• The current timeline sets a House vote for Friday, it will then be handed the Senate where Schumer will attempt to fast-track the bill with unanimous consent.
• Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is the main viable here. He regularly holds up appropriations to publicize a fiscally conservative position on spending.
• Paul said earlier today: “I don’t want to shut down the government, but I don’t want to keep it open spending money at this rate and stealing from our kid’s future and destroying our currency... Someone has got to stand up and say enough’s, enough."
• There will be significant pressure on Paul to acquiesce, especially in light of a two-week Congressional recess which is due to begin on Friday. Congressional insiders note that an impeding recess often spurs rapid movement in the Senate. If the package doesn't clear by Friday, expect the Senate to remain in session over the weekend to overcome opposition and keep economic fallout negligible.