Congress must act by September 30, 2015 to avoid a government shutdown. Last week the Senate rejected a measure that would have funded the federal government though December 11, 2015, and would have also cut off all federal money for Planned Parenthood. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has filed legislation that would fund the federal government through December 11, 2015, but would not cut any funds for Planned Parenthood.
While this bill is expected to pass the Senate, its fate in the House is unclear, as several Republican Members of Congress have indicated that they will vote against any legislation that does not strip funding for Planned Parenthood. The situation remains very fluid at this time and many feel that a shutdown is becoming more likely.