Clock ticks toward federal shutdown as Indiana lawmakers weigh in on budget priorities

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The federal government is hours away from a shutdown as Congress struggles to reach a budget deal before a midnight deadline.

Lawmakers say the sticking point is partisan disagreement over federal spending priorities.

A “continuing resolution,” or CR, is a short-term measure that extends funding while Congress negotiates a full budget. House Republicans say they already passed such a bill to keep the government open until Nov. 21, but Democrats rejected it.

“We passed a clean CR through November 21 to keep the federal government open so that we would not have any problems while we're continuing to negotiate our appropriations bills, but Democrats want to play politics for this,” Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Ind., said

Democratic leaders countered with their own CR that includes extensions for Medicaid funding, which Republicans oppose. Indiana Sen. Jim Banks said Democrats are also demanding expanded health subsidies that go beyond existing policy.

“The Democrats are demanding another $1 trillion in new spending to get their votes to keep the government open,” Banks said. “I hope Democrats, before midnight tonight, come to the table and vote for the CR. But my sense is the government's going to shut down.”

If Congress fails to act, the effects in Indiana could be widespread: federal employees may face furloughs, state parks could close, hospitals could face delays in Medicaid reimbursements, and families relying on SNAP benefits may see disruptions.

The federal budget debate continues as the national debt approaches $40 trillion.