House Democrats demand Joe Biden ratify the Equal Rights Amendment now

In recent developments in the United States, the House of Representatives faced a crisis regarding government funding, with a looming deadline threatening a government shutdown. This situation unfolded as House leaders canceled a scheduled vote on a continuing resolution, which would have extended current funding levels. The cancellation followed significant opposition from the Republican conference, leading to accusations from Democrats, particularly from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who blamed Republicans for walking back on a previously negotiated bipartisan agreement. Jeffries highlighted that if a spending package fails to pass in time, the responsibility for the shutdown rests squarely on the GOP's shoulders. This sentiment was echoed by the White House, emphasizing the need for Republicans to honor the terms of the compromise reached previously. As tensions escalated, influential conservative figures, including Donald Trump, suggested alternative strategies that diverted attention from the original bipartisan agreement. This prompted GOP leaders to reconsider their approach, potentially moving towards a clean continuing resolution to secure necessary votes amidst a slim majority situation. Lawmakers are now operating under immense time pressure to finalize a spending plan before federal funding expires, correctly identifying the need for bipartisan cooperation to avert a government shutdown and its associated repercussions. The series of events has highlighted the deep-rooted divisions within Congress as the impending deadline approaches, showcasing the challenges in reaching an agreement on fiscal policies in an increasingly polarized political environment.