January Government Shutdown Imminent as Congress Stalls on Fiscal Funding

House Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) warned Tuesday that a federal government shutdown is expected to occur in January amid congressional gridlock over funding legislation.

Speaking during her “Crockett’s Quarterly Update” livestream on Facebook, the representative cited stalled negotiations and a lack of legislative progress since Washington reopened earlier this fall. She stated, “I see the government shutting down” and noted that she would be unable to serve constituents in January due to the requirement for lawmakers to remain in D.C.

Crockett, who recently announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Texas Senator John Cornyn, characterized the impending shutdown as non-partisan and emphasized Democrats’ minimal responsibility while criticizing Republicans for failing to govern effectively.

The representative referenced the most recent government shutdown that began October 1 and lasted 43 days—the longest in U.S. history—stating, “We went out basically [on] Oct. 1 and after we went out, we couldn’t get anything done.” She added, “It’s now technically two months later, still nothing’s been done.”

Congress is currently operating under a continuing resolution funding federal agencies through January 30. However, lawmakers have not approved any of the 12 appropriations bills needed to fund the government for the full fiscal year since reopening.

The situation follows efforts by Democrats in the Senate to revisit disputes from last month’s shutdown, including pressure over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Eight Democratic senators agreed to reopen the government without conditions tied to those subsidies, which are now projected to lapse and could increase monthly health insurance costs for millions of Americans.

President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of intentionally seeking a shutdown to gain leverage in policy disputes, claiming they are “beholden” to insurance companies. Both parties have historically used shutdown warnings as bargaining tools without conceding responsibility as the next funding deadline approaches.