Congress Punts Funding Bills into the New Year, Passing Another Continuing Resolution
Last week, Congress passed another continuing resolution (CR) – which temporarily provides funding for the federal government at current spending levels – to avert a government shutdown. Federal agency funding was set to expire on November 17.
The CR uses a two-tiered deadline structure, which will keep part of the government open until January 19, while funding for the military and larger domestic programs lasts through February 2. The measure passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.
While the government is funded through January and February, the outlook remains uncertain as Congress will need to pass the FY24 spending measures or another CR before the new funding deadlines. Both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate still have work to do to pass their respective appropriations bills in each chamber before they can reach a broader government funding agreement.
Given the legislative gridlock that often grips both chambers of Congress, the annual appropriations process consistently remains one of the few legislative vehicles that eventually crosses the finish line. NMMA will closely monitor the appropriations process as it unfolds on Capitol Hill and will continue to advocate for the industry’s priorities with lawmakers and key staff.
For more information, please contact NMMA director of federal government relations, Clay Crabtree at [email protected].