U.S. Congress Faces Funding Deadline Amid Partisan Turmoil

The U.S. Congress is under renewed pressure as it returns with a looming deadline to keep federal agencies operational and avert a partial government shutdown. This comes amid deepening partisan divides during the first year of President Donald Trump's administration, spurred by controversial budget decisions.

Central to the challenge is the $1.8 trillion discretionary spending limit within the broader $7 trillion federal budget. Expected to complicate matters further is the ongoing debate over releasing information related to Jeffrey Epstein and federal law enforcement deployments, while historical precedents of partial government shutdowns loom large.

Republicans' current majority in both chambers faces a critical test: achieving consensus on a funding bill necessitates Democratic support. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized the situation as an "all-out war" and pressed for legislative integrity against perceived authoritarian moves by Trump. The stakes include healthcare coverage for millions, as legislators employ strategic leverage in negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)