Republican Congressional leaders are finalizing a draft continuing resolution that would keep the federal government open until Nov. 20, Politico reported this morning. The House hopes to pass it this week with mostly Republican support.

Democrats are insisting that a stopgap spending bill include health care provisions, but so far Republicans are planning a mostly clean CR with no policy add-ons.

That sets the stage for a showdown in the Senate, where Republicans will need some Democratic support to avert a shutdown.

The Timeline

Government spending expires Sept. 30, at which point most of the government’s functions would shut down unless a continuing resolution is in place.

Congress is out of session next week in honor of Rosh Hashanah, leaving only a few legislative days before the end of the month. Punchbowl News reported this morning the Senate may cancel part of that break to work on the spending bill.

“We’re officially in the danger zone,” according to Punchbowl. “A shutdown appears more likely than not at this point. That’s not to say it’s guaranteed.”

Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Primavera