WASHINGTON--Congress approved a bipartisan spending package Tuesday that funds more than 95% of the federal government through September and ends the partial shutdown that began early Saturday.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill quickly, formally reopening most agencies that went dark over the weekend after the Senate sent a revised deal back to the House.
But the fight is far from over. As POLITICO detailed, the measure only extends funding for the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 13, teeing up another potential lapse for an agency that includes ICE, Border Patrol, TSA and FEMA. Democrats are withholding longer-term support for DHS unless Republicans agree to new restrictions on immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota last month.
If no deal emerges by the new deadline, DHS could face either another shutdown or a short-term patch, POLITICO said. House Democratic leaders made clear Tuesday that they are prepared to force that confrontation.
“We have a list that we want done, and we aren’t settling for half-measures,” Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) told reporters, warning GOP leaders would have to “explain to the American public why they’re shutting down agencies,” according to POLITICO.
Aside from DHS, the legislation completes funding for the Pentagon and all remaining domestic agencies through the end of the fiscal year, building on appropriations passed in November and January, POLITICO noted. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) hailed the package on the floor as a “true, bipartisan, bicameral” effort, adding that “funding the government is not an optional exercise,” POLITICO reported.
DCUC Applauds House Speed
The Defense Credit Union Council applauded the House for promptly passing the spending bill.
“While DCUC is reassured to see a lengthy shutdown has been avoided, we remain concerned about ongoing funding debates that continue to place military pay at risk,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, retired USAF Colonel. “We will continue to engage Congress on the importance of enacting solutions and proactive measures to address these risks.
“Recent DHS funding debates once again highlighted how Coast Guard members are uniquely vulnerable during these lapses, which reinforces the need for Congress to carefully examine and address the unintended impacts funding disruptions have on those who serve our country,”
Hernandez added.
DCUC emphasized it continues to highlight to congressional leaders the critical role credit unions serve in supporting military members and their families during times of fiscal uncertainty.
“Across the nation, credit unions continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to service by stepping up to protect and support the financial well-being of communities impacted by shutdowns,” said Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer. “This dedication reflects the credit union movement’s deep respect for the duty and sacrifice of service members and their unwavering commitment to our nation’s mission.
“Our members have remained fully engaged through DCUC’s Military Advocacy Committee, receiving real-time updates and ensuring proactive measures are in place to deliver immediate relief to those affected,” Stverak continued.
DCUC’s letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last week stressed how credit unions continue to serve as leading financial institutions, supporting military families by offering 0% interest emergency loans, paycheck advances, fee waivers, payment deferrals, and free financial counseling.
“Emergency assistance from financial institutions is only a stopgap. Temporary relief programs, while compassionate and necessary, are no substitute for the assurance of a regular paycheck,” Stverak wrote.
ACU Welcomes Shutdown's End
America's Credit Unions welcomed the end of the shutdown "and restoring certainty for the agencies that consumers and financial institutions rely on every day. Prolonged shutdowns create unnecessary disruption for working families, small businesses, and credit unions trying to serve their members and communities," stated ACU President/CEO Scott Simpson. “As this bill now moves to the President’s desk, it is critical that lawmakers maintain stable funding for the federal agencies that support financial access, consumer protection, and economic stability. Credit unions stand ready to continue working with policymakers to ensure the federal government can function effectively and provide the predictability consumers and communities need.”