"McCarthy's Dilemma: Navigating Conservative Resistance to Avert Government Shutdown"

With just five days until federal funding expires, there is no viable plan in Congress to avert a government shutdown. House conservatives are pressuring Speaker Kevin McCarthy to choose between a shutdown or a vote to oust him from his leadership post. McCarthy is turning attention towards advancing spending bills, but it is unclear if they can advance amid deep divisions within the House Republican conference. Senate leaders are discussing a short-term bill to keep the government open, but there are questions about funding for natural disasters and Ukraine. A shutdown would have major impacts, including the halt of non-essential government operations and the furlough of civilian Defense Department employees.