With the holiday season coming to a close, House lawmakers will soon be confronting a slew of legislative issues, including the federal budget and the impeachment of President Trump.
The outcome of both matters has been carefully watched over the past months, with possible ramifications for years to come.
The budget is of particular significance due to its sheer scale and influence over the U.S. economy. Its passage requires a substantial amount of negotiation and compromise, as customary spending levels and bright-line funding are being pushed and pulled in both directions.
The main sticking point is that the budget must pass both chambers of Congress before it is signed by President Trump, with the Republican party remaining steadfast in their opposition of raising taxes and increasing spending. Government shutdowns and potential furlough events are looming if a deal cannot be found to unanimously approve the budget.
The host of impeachment questions surrounding the president are not as straightforward. Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives have been conducting numerous investigations into Trump’s potentially illicit activities since his inauguration. This has culminated in articles of impeachment last week,б with the Republican party vowing to fight them tooth and nail.
Regardless of the outcome, the legislative decisions surrounding the budget and impeachment will have lasting impacts on the country. As House lawmakers return from their holiday break, the weight of their decisions lie heavy in the air.
