Short Extension of Current Funding Likely Ahead of January Deadline

January 10, 2014

Following the December budget agreement that partially eased the impact of sequester this fiscal year and next, Congressional appropriations leaders continue to negotiate the details of a package of 12 funding bills for the fiscal year that began on October 1, 2013. To date, government has been operating under a stopgap funding vehicle called a continuing resolution that expires on January 15. While the chairs of the House and Senate appropriations committees had hoped to finalize the omnibus and introduce it in time for consideration by the two chambers ahead of January 15, it is now clear that another short-term continuing resolution will be necessary to avoid a government shutdown. Reports today suggest a three-day extension will be introduced in the House today that, once approved as expected, will provide the whole of next week – and even next weekend, if necessary – for the package to be debated and considered in both the House and Senate.

Appropriators and their staffs will work through the weekend with a goal of introducing an omnibus either Sunday or Monday, with the intention of including all 12 bills in that package. By their own admission, six of the 12 bills are finished and two more are very close to complete. The remaining four are traditionally more contentious bills and are held up over policy disputes such as healthcare reform implementation, family planning, financial reform implementation, and carbon regulations. It is important to note that while the lead negotiators are sharing the general status of individual bills, no details on funding levels, programs or policies have emerged.

Completed Nearing Agreement Uncertain
Agriculture Energy-Water (DOE) Financial Services
Commerce-Justice-Science (NSF, NASA) Homeland Security Interior-Environment (NEA, NEH, EPA)
Defense Labor-HHS-Education (NIH, USEd)
Legislative Branch State-Foreign Operations
Military Construction-Veterans Affairs
Transportation-HUD

We will update you again as more information becomes available on the omnibus itself. In the meantime, please do be in touch with Suzanne Day or Jon Groteboer in the Washington office with any questions or concerns: (202) 863-1292.