US President Joe Biden has issued a rebuke to what he referred to as “extreme Republicans,” calling on them to take immediate action to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the September 30 deadline. Biden emphasized the importance of adhering to the budget deal reached between congressional Republican leadership and his administration in May, which would have funded essential domestic and national security priorities while reducing the budget deficit by $1 trillion over the next decade.
Biden warned that a government shutdown would have serious consequences, including negative impacts on food safety, cancer research, and children’s programs. He underscored that funding the government is a fundamental responsibility of Congress and called on Republicans to fulfill their duty.
Additionally, President Biden framed his potential 2024 campaign against former President Donald Trump as a battle against political extremism, emphasizing the ongoing threat to democracy.
The standoff between House Republicans and the White House over government funding poses significant risks to various activities, including military and law enforcement pay, food safety programs, air travel, and passport processing. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has started advising federal agencies to update their shutdown plans, indicating that federal employees may face furloughs if a resolution is not reached soon.
President Biden has attributed the potential shutdown to House Republicans, who are advocating for spending cuts beyond those outlined in a June deal that suspended the legal cap on government borrowing authority until early 2025.
