WASHINGTON—The House voted 370-48 Tuesday to keep federal agencies funded through Dec. 11, averting a government shutdown before the midterm elections and setting up another funding battle at year-end, POLITICO reported.
The Senate-crafted measure maintains current agency budgets beyond the Oct. 1 start of the new fiscal year and is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, according to POLITICO.
“We want to get a longer-term deal. But at a minimum, let’s ensure that we can continue to see government properly funded and functioning,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters.
POLITICO reported the bill also temporarily prevents the White House from finalizing a rule that would give political appointees authority over federal grant approvals, delays an approaching ban on intoxicating hemp products and prohibits new funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Those provisions drew Democratic support but angered some House conservatives.
Congressional leaders will return to the funding issue after elections that could change control of one or both chambers, POLITICO reported.
“That’s the huge intervening event,” House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole said. “And it will impact whatever comes after it, no matter what anybody thinks. So it’s not like we’ll go back and pick up exactly where we left off.”
CU Trades Respond
Jason Stverak
The Defense Credit Union Council said it welcomes the House’s passage of the continuing resolution and urges its prompt enactment.
"Avoiding a government shutdown is necessary for servicemembers, military families, veterans, federal employees, and the communities that should never be forced to absorb the consequences of a congressional funding impasse. We are also pleased the legislation temporarily extends the National Flood Insurance Program, because even a brief lapse can delay mortgage closings and create additional hardship for military families navigating a permanent change of station," stated DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak.
"Still, a continuing resolution lasting only through December 11 is a bridge—not a substitute for governing," continued Stverak. "Congress should use this window to complete full-year appropriations and enact permanent safeguards ensuring that every member of our Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, is paid on time during any future funding lapse. Defense credit unions will always step up with emergency loans, payment relief, fee waivers, and financial counseling, but they should never be expected to compensate for preventable uncertainty in Washington. Financial readiness is military readiness, and those who serve our country should never be placed in financial limbo by another budget deadline.”
America's Credit Unions, too, was pleased to see the House take action to prevent a government shutdown and keep critical public services running."Whenever fiscal uncertainty or funding lapses occur, credit unions step up immediately for their communities, offering zero-interest payroll loans, fee waivers, and emergency relief to help federal workers and military families navigate the disruption. That commitment to standing by members during challenging moments is at the heart of the cooperative credit union mission," stated an ACU spokesperson.