Democrats are poised to blame House Republicans for a federal government shutdown if Freedom Caucus hardliners manage to block passage of the budget before the new fiscal year begins the end of September. 

“This is really going to be driven by the House. They’re the ones that are going to bring [a shutdown] upon the country,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said (per Politico).

Of course, it is President Biden’s U.S. economy, and he potentially takes the fall next year if there is a potentially damaging shutdown. 

Meanwhile, House Democrats are looking at a continuing resolution (CR) potentially to pay for the federal government at current levels, through December, according to NPR’s Morning Edition.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) should be considered a key ally to Democrats and mainstream Republicans in both chambers, but he is hobbled by questions over his health after a second freeze in the middle of a press conference last month. Last week, Congress’ attending physician cleared McConnell to continue with his planned schedule, according to PBS Newshour.

Schedule: The full Senate only is in session Tuesday, September 5 through Monday, September 11. Both chambers are in session Tuesday, September 12 through Thursday, September 14. The House only is in session until Rosh Hashana the evening of Friday, September 15.

--Compiled and edited by Todd Lassa