WHAT HAPPENED: The House on Tuesday passed the Senate’s version of a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government from September 30 — the end of the fiscal year — through December 11. The vote was 370-48, with 19 Republicans and 29 Democrats voting against it and 14 members not voting. The Senate had already approved the measure, and President Trump signed it on Wednesday, removing the threat of a shutdown.
WHAT IT DOES: The CR funds federal agencies generally at current levels through December 11, giving lawmakers additional time to negotiate a full-year funding measure. Republicans are seeking increased defense spending while cutting most non-defense programs; Democrats say that approach is a non-starter and are pushing for a bipartisan approach treating domestic programs with parity.
WHY IT MATTERS: Republicans and Democrats wanted to prevent any possible funding lapse ahead of the Nov. 3 elections, following a record 43-day shutdown last fall over expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits and a subsequent 76-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
WHAT’S NEXT: Government funding runs through December 11 under the CR. Lawmakers will need to reach agreement on full-year appropriations bills or another funding measure before that deadline.
