Congress Takes Steps to Avoid a Government Shutdown

The House of Representatives is expected to vote later today to keep the federal government funded through November 21.  In addition to maintaining the current FY 2025 funding levels, House Republicans have offered a short-term funding proposal that provides an additional $30 million for congressional security and $58 million for White House and Supreme Court security.

Democrats in the House are expected to oppose the short-term funding extension because it does not address expiring health insurance subsidies in the Affordable Care Act and does not include assurances that protects funds provided by Congress from being impounded by the administration. House Democrats have introduced an alternative proposal that keeps the government open through October 31 and addresses their key issues; however, it is expected to fail given the party’s minority status.

If the Senate does not act over the weekend to advance government funding legislation, it will need to move quickly when it returns after Rosh Hashanah the week of September 29. While the Democratic alternative is unlikely to pass the House, it may get more consideration in the Senate because Democrats are needed to reach 60-vote threshold required for passing budget legislation. Congress will need to overcome this impasse to keep the government funded beyond September 30, when the current fiscal year expires.

President Trump has encouraged Republicans to keep the government open without negotiating with Democrats or relying on their votes.

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Giesecke