As lawmakers in Congress finally settled a funding fight last month that could have resulted in a government shutdown, they are already gearing up for the next round of negotiations. The recent funding packages approved by Congress will keep the government open for the rest of the fiscal year, but with the fiscal year already halfway over, the process is set to start again.

The delay in approving annual spending bills is a common occurrence in Washington. In 2022 and 2018, the process stretched into March, and in 2017, it wasn’t resolved until May. This time around, Republican lawmakers in the House made a concerted effort to do things differently. After capturing the chamber in the 2022 midterm elections, Rep. Kevin McCarthy agreed to demands by hard-right conservatives to limit spending and take up funding bills individually. However, the process collided with the realities of governing, and McCarthy lost his position as Speaker.

Despite efforts to change the process by splitting the funding packages into two separate bills, the final spending package sailed through Congress in less than 48 hours. This rapid approval showed that little had changed in the way government funding is handled. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democratic appropriator in the Senate, expressed disappointment in the outcome.

The budget process, as outlined in the Constitution and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, has a structured timeline for approving spending bills. However, in recent decades, Congress has rarely adhered to this timeline, often resorting to continuing resolutions and omnibus packages to fund the government.

The recent funding fight highlighted the challenges of reforming the appropriations process. House conservatives pushed for individual bills and spending cuts, leading to delays in the funding process. Despite efforts to change the process, Congress ultimately stuck to its usual ways, prompting frustration among lawmakers who had hoped for reform.

Looking ahead to the next funding deadline in September, lawmakers are already falling behind schedule. Factors such as the upcoming election season and potential party control shifts further complicate the appropriations process. Lawmakers are urged to learn from the challenges of the recent funding fight and work towards bipartisan solutions that benefit the country.

In conclusion, while Congress is gearing up for the next government funding fight, the question remains whether this time will be any different. The recent struggles and frustrations in the appropriations process highlight the need for reform and bipartisanship to effectively fund the government and avoid economic consequences. The upcoming months will test lawmakers’ ability to work together and find solutions that benefit the American people.