"Congress Faces Renewed Government Shutdown Threat Amid Funding Deadline"
As Congress returns from recess, the threat of a government shutdown looms with deadlines approaching to pass funding bills and avert a partial shutdown after March 1. House GOP dysfunction and infighting over foreign aid and border security have complicated the path forward, with tensions high and odds of a shutdown at least even, according to Rep. Patrick McHenry. Despite a $1.66 trillion funding agreement, disagreements persist, including on policy riders and spending cuts, as lawmakers aim to avoid another short-term solution. Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in maneuvering a razor-thin GOP majority and must navigate the funding process carefully to prevent a shutdown.