Government Shutdown Likely Averted with Funding Patch until November 17

In an unexpected turn of events, the House of Representatives this afternoon on a strong bipartisan vote approved a continuing resolution (CR) to provide 45 days of stopgap federal funding at current levels. The Senate is expected to take up and pass this legislation later today and President Biden will sign it without any disruption in government operations.

After House Republicans failed to advance multiple CRs this week, including one that sought to appease conservatives with spending cuts of 30 percent and controversial border policies and funding, the Speaker today introduced a measure to fund the government for 45 days, provide $16 billion in emergency funding for natural disasters and extend several expiring authorizations. While Democrats strongly objected to the absence of additional assistance to Ukraine, ultimately nearly all Democrats joined with a majority of Republicans to pass the legislation, 335-91.

Meanwhile, the Senate, which had been making slow but steady progress on its own CR throughout the week, is expected to set that legislation aside and take up the House legislation. Given the strong bipartisan vote in the House and the approaching deadline, it is expected the House CR will pass quickly so that it reaches the President’s desk in time to avoid a lapse in funding.

While it seems a shutdown has been dodged, November 17 is not that far off. House leadership appears intent on continuing efforts to move their divisive FY24 funding bills but may instead be facing a significant challenge to leadership. Conservative members, who voted against the CR, are likely to make good on their threats and move to remove Speaker McCarthy, which could plunge the House back into a leadership struggle and complicate legislative action on funding and other matters.

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As always, Harvard’s DC-based federal relations team remains closely engaged on the University’s priorities and will stay in touch with further developments. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Suzanne Day (suzanne_day@harvard.edu), Kara Haas (kara_haas@harvard.edu), or Peter DeYoe (peter_deyoe@harvard.edu).