The Final Hour CR and the Upcoming Consideration of the Debt Limit, NDAA, and PODA
Congress passed a short-term spending bill that funds the federal government through February 18, after postponing decisions in September. The measure passed, despite the slim likelihood of a unanimous vote of all 100 senators for expedited consideration.
Government Funding Deadline Looms, Draws Concern for Debt Ceiling
Having postponed the decisions earlier in the year, lawmakers now need to fund the government beyond the current December 3 deadline as well as raise the debt ceiling to avoid a default.
White House Warns of Consequences as Congress’ Appropriations Standoff Continues
In a press release on November 12, 2021, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced several administration priorities would be underfunded or misaligned if Congress fails to pass dedicated, full-year funding for fiscal year (FY) 2022. The report alleges several agencies will lose out on funding needed to address new and emerging priorities if the budget stalemate continues.
Infrastructure Week Materializes as $1.2 trillion Bill Narrowly Passes the House
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was narrowly passed by the House on November 5, 2021, after months of negotiation. In the end, thirteen Republicans voted for the bill and six Democrats voted against it.
Stopgap Reauthorizes HTF After DOT Temporary Furloughs, Follows Government Funding CR
As reported in FEDagent on September 30, 2021, the Senate and the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) funding the government at FY 2021 levels until December 3, 2021. The President signed the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act that evening to avoid a government shutdown.