Continuing Resolution

Negotiations continued this week on a continuing resolution (CR) for fiscal year (FY) 2021 funding, a stopgap measure that will keep the government running after the fiscal year ends on September 30.  The current main stumbling block seems to be the ending date for the CR—Senate Republicans want the measure to extend funding until December 19, 2020, while House Democrats are pushing for an end date of February 26, 2021. The inclusion (or exclusion) of certain “anomalies”—such as activities at the Census Bureau, famer bailout payments, and higher payments to states for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, among others—are also adding to the last-minute negotiation challenges. It is fully expected that Congress will be able to come to an agreement on a CR and the government will not shut down.

Coronavirus Relief Package

There continued to be little movement on an additional COVID-19 relief measure this week, with Senate Republicans shrugging off President Trump’s calls for a larger package (than the small bill that failed last week).  Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has stated that the House will return to Washington to vote on a relief package if there is an agreement before the election, but the likelihood of that occurring currently seems small.