Risk of government shutdown looms as Congress punts key funding decisions to December

Chad Pergrim, Fox News chief congressional correspondent, told the program that while the House approved short-term plans, the Senate still needs 60 votes to break a filibuster and the immediate funding deadline is Oct. 1. "The House OK to plan to run the government until December 4, but it needs 60 votes to break a filibuster," Pergrim said, adding that Democrats have so far declined to aid that effort.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodi Arrington echoed concern about a shutdown and described reconciliation as the GOP tool to keep some accounts open. "If past is prologue, Molly, we're going to have another shutdown," Arrington said, arguing Republicans will use budget reconciliation for emergency funding to open homeland security accounts. Both speakers emphasized that extensive House activity does not guarantee final legislation in the Senate, and that some appropriations decisions could be deferred into December.