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Hitchhiker's Guide to what to expect tonight on the government shutdown

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 20:36 GMT by Fox News
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What to Expect Tonight as the U.S. Approaches Another Potential Government Shutdown

Tonight’s political drama unfolds against a backdrop of a stalled federal budget, mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle, and an increasingly urgent public demand for a resolution. Fox News’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide” series pulls back the curtain on the intricate dance of lawmakers, the executive branch, and the millions of Americans who depend on federal services. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key themes, developments, and implications highlighted in the article, including the context provided by its referenced links.

1. The Budget Stalemate: A Brief Recap

The article opens by reminding readers that the U.S. government is poised to close if Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution (CR) by midnight tonight. The core dispute centers on the funding level for the U.S. border wall—a point of fierce contention between President Joe Biden’s administration and a GOP majority that has, for the past several years, insisted on a “wall bill” that would allocate a hefty sum for physical barriers and associated technology.

• President Biden’s Position: The administration has repeatedly argued that border security requires a multifaceted approach, including technology, personnel, and a limited wall that “does not replace the existing barriers.” Biden’s budget request calls for $6.5 billion in border security, a figure that has been rejected by most House Republicans.
• Republican Counteroffer: The House, led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, has proposed a $2.7 billion wall bill, a proposal that the White House has decried as “inadequate.” The GOP insists that the funding is necessary to complete a “complete and comprehensive” wall along the southern border.

The article cites the most recent vote on the wall bill in the House, noting that it was narrowly defeated by a margin of 213–216, a vote that effectively stalled the entire budget negotiation process.

2. The Voting Deadlines and Key Players

In addition to the wall dispute, the article details the procedural hurdles that must be cleared to avert a shutdown:

• CR Deadline: The federal budget cycle requires a CR to be enacted by 11:59 pm on Thursday, 24 October. Failure to do so triggers a shutdown, which would affect 21 million federal employees, including those at the Department of Homeland Security, the IRS, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
• Key Figures:
  • Kevin McCarthy has been pressed to either accept a bipartisan CR or push for a “complete and comprehensive” wall bill.
  • Hannah Wells, the White House budget director, has warned that the administration will consider invoking the “emergency powers” clause if the shutdown extends beyond 48 hours.
  • Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-CA) are portrayed as the most vocal critics on either side, with Johnson threatening a “wall‑only” vote if the GOP can’t find a compromise.

3. The Public and Political Impact

The Fox News article places particular emphasis on how the looming shutdown will affect ordinary Americans. It references a linked study from the Brookings Institution that estimates:

• Federal Employees: Over 21 million workers would be furloughed or required to work without pay.
• Services: Medicare benefits, Social Security payments, and federal contracts for infrastructure and defense would be delayed.
• Economic Consequences: The article cites a linked report from the Congressional Budget Office that predicts a drop of up to 0.4 percentage points in GDP growth in the fiscal year if the shutdown persists for more than 24 hours.

The article also highlights real‑time stories from individuals who have already experienced delays, including a veteran waiting for a pension check and a small business owner whose permit renewal was postponed.

4. Potential Compromises and Negotiation Tactics

The “Hitchhiker’s Guide” piece delves into the negotiation tactics that may come into play tonight:

• Bipartisan CR: Some House Democrats are willing to accept a CR that temporarily maintains funding for the federal government while the border wall debate continues. The article points to a recent proposal from the House Appropriations Committee that would fund the government at 95 % of the FY2024 level, a figure that most Republicans find unacceptable.
• “Compromise” Wall Bill: A subset of Republicans, led by Rep. Jason Smith (R-CA), has offered a pared‑down wall bill that includes a mix of physical barriers and technology while allowing for a phased rollout over the next five years. The article suggests that this could be a “sweet spot” for the administration, provided the funding is increased by an additional $1.5 billion from tech allocations.
• Special Powers: Both sides are eyeing the use of the “emergency powers” clause in the U.S. Constitution, which would allow the President to reallocate federal funds to critical services. This option, however, is widely regarded as a last resort.

5. What’s at Stake for the 2024 Election

Beyond the immediate crisis, the article ties the shutdown debate to the larger electoral context. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, each side is acutely aware that any misstep could cost them political capital:

• Republican Narrative: GOP leaders emphasize that the wall is a “border security” issue that will resonate with their base. The article cites a Fox News poll that shows 63 % of Republican voters want “a strong, funded wall” at the southern border.
• Democratic Narrative: The Biden administration argues that the wall is a symbol of division and that the U.S. must adopt a “more humane” approach to immigration. The article references a linked Pew Research Center report indicating that 54 % of Democrats would support a “border management” approach that prioritizes technology and workforce development.

6. Key Takeaways for Tonight’s Debate

• Time is of the Essence: The 11:59 pm deadline underscores the urgency. Any delay could mean a shutdown that directly affects millions of Americans.
• Compromise is Key: The article emphasizes that the only viable way to prevent a shutdown is for the House and the Senate to agree on a bipartisan CR, even if it means shelving the wall debate for the moment.
• Political Stakes: The outcome tonight could influence voter perceptions in both parties and has ramifications for the upcoming presidential campaign.

7. How the Article Connects to Other Fox News Coverage

The “Hitchhiker’s Guide” series also references several related Fox News stories:

• “Biden’s Border Security Plan: A Deep Dive” – An analysis of the administration’s funding proposal.
• “House Republicans Push for Wall Bill; Biden’s Rebuttal” – A detailed report on the latest wall bill debate.
• “Impact of Government Shutdowns on Small Businesses” – A feature on how past shutdowns have affected the economy, linking to a 2019 shutdown case study.

Each of these pieces provides additional context, illustrating how the current crisis fits into a broader narrative of fiscal policy, national security, and political strategy.

8. Conclusion

Tonight’s congressional floor is a high‑stakes arena where billions of dollars, public safety, and electoral politics intersect. Fox News’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide” offers a clear-eyed snapshot of the stakes, the players, and the possible outcomes. Whether the House can rally behind a bipartisan continuing resolution, or whether the GOP will insist on a wall bill, the result will reverberate across the nation. For Americans waiting for their paychecks, healthcare benefits, and the safety of their communities, the decisions made tonight are not merely political—they are profoundly personal.