Washington Update

Government Reopens; Upcoming Deadlines Still Loom

As the federal government reopens following the 16-day Congressional shutdown over FY2014 appropriations and the federal debt limit, there are several implications for higher education and more looming deadlines at the end of this year and early 2014. Here is an initial summary of the deal passed by Congress and signed by the President. NAICU will continue to monitor events and provide updates as appropriate.
  • Most federal employees were ordered back to work on October 17 and, as a result, most agency services should be back online within the following 24 hours. This includes websites, facilities, research sources and other contact points of interest to you and your campus community.
     
  • The bipartisan deal to end the stalemate, reached by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), authorizes federal spending on student aid, research, and other areas at the same levels as last fiscal year through January 15, 2014. This date should enable most member institutions working on a semester system to draw federal student aid funds for the Spring semester.
     
  • The 35-page legislation (summary) also extends the federal government’s borrowing authority through February 7, 2014. Congress must pass a full year appropriations bill by January 15 and debt limit legislation by February 7 to avoid another shutdown. In hopes of avoiding another shutdown, the legislation established a House and Senate Committee to develop a 10-year budget blueprint with a mid-December deadline (see below for full list of committee members). Overcoming the highly charged atmosphere in Washington will be a tall order for members of Congress on both sides of the aisle as they work towards completing a FY2014 budget.

Following passage of the continuing resolution, the Senate recessed until October 28 while the House recessed until Oct. 22.

Key Dates (via National Journal)

  • December 13, 2013: Senate-House committee delivers report on budget blueprint and possible sequestration replacements
     
  • January 15, 2014: Government funding ends; spending automatically reduced by $19B if no new spending levels negotiated
     
  • February 7, 2014: U.S. forecasted to hit debt ceiling again

Additional Facts

  • How they voted (via the AP)
    SENATE-81-18: “Voting yes were 52 Democrats, 27 Republicans and 2 independents. Voting no were 0 Democrats and 18 Republicans.”

    HOUSE-285-144: “Voting yes were 198 Democrats and 87 Republicans. Voting no were 0 Democrats and 144 Republicans ... There are 3 vacancies in the 435-member House.”
     
  • The list of House and Senate budget conferees include:

    House of Representatives 
    Republicans Democrats
    Paul Ryan (WI) James Clyburn (SC)
    Tome Cole (OK) Chris Van Hollen (MD)
    Tom Price (GA) Nita Lowey (NY)
    Diane Black (TN)

    Senate (the Full Budget Committee)
    Democrats Republicans
    Patty Murray (WA) Jeff Sessions (AL)
    Ron Wyden (OR) Charles Grassley (IA)
    Bill Nelson (FL) Mike Enzi (WY)
    Debbie Stabenow (MI) Mike Crapo (ID)
    Bernie Sanders (VT) Lindsey Graham (SC)
    Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) Rob Portman (OH)
    Mark Warner (VA) Pat Toomey (PA)
    Jeff Merkley (OR) Ron Johnson (WI)
    Chris Coons (DE) Kelly Ayotte (NH)
    Tammy Baldwin (WI) Roger Wicker (MS)
    Tim Kaine (VA)
    Angus King (ME)
     
  • Time the Shutdown ended (Via Politico and AP): 12:50 a.m.: “APNewsAlert ... WASHINGTON (AP) - White House tells agencies to reopen promptly; all furloughed workers may return to work.”

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