Congress Is Aiming To Avoid Another Shutdown by Spending More on Almost Everything

Published: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 9:35 pm

Congress Aims to Avert Shutdown with Increased Spending

Washington, D.C. - With a potential government shutdown looming, the House of Representatives has passed a series of spending bills designed to keep the government operational through the end of the fiscal year in September. The proposed legislation, if enacted by the Senate, would elevate total discretionary spending to $1.7 trillion this year, marking a $24 billion increase compared to the previous year.

The spending package includes various allocations, including specific earmarks. Notably, it allocates $1 million for new elevators at the Metropolitan Opera Association.

Fiscal policy analysts, such as Dominik Lett from the Cato Institute, have noted that the proposed spending levels surpass the nonbinding targets established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 by approximately $50 billion. Lett argues that the package represents a missed opportunity, as it omits proposed anti-fraud reforms and lacks binding spending limits.

While the bill does not impose significant spending cuts, it does include a $115 million reduction in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a $1.8 billion cut in funding for the Border Patrol. These cuts were included to secure Democratic support for the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, which passed with a narrow margin.

Despite the increase in spending, the passage of all 12 spending bills through Congress is a positive development. However, the lack of spending cuts or strong fiscal parameters raises concerns about long-term fiscal responsibility. Discretionary spending, though representing less than one-third of federal spending, is the portion of the budget most easily adjusted. The ongoing rise in spending, even with Republican majorities, is a cause for concern for those advocating fiscal responsibility.

BNN's Perspective:

While avoiding a government shutdown is crucial, the proposed spending increases raise concerns about fiscal discipline. The inclusion of earmarks and the absence of significant spending cuts highlight the challenges of achieving responsible budgeting in a divided political landscape. The focus should be on finding a balance between meeting essential needs and ensuring long-term fiscal stability.

Keywords: government shutdown, spending bills, discretionary spending, fiscal responsibility, budget, Congress, House of Representatives, Senate, earmarks, ICE, Border Patrol, fiscal policy, spending cuts

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