Government affairs

The Senate approved the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) today in an 82-16 vote, which saw 37 Republicans join Democrats in support of the measure that would temporarily fund the government until November 21. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for a signature, which he is expected to sign.

The CR would fund federal agencies at current levels until November 21, giving lawmakers more time to address the ongoing appropriations debate for fiscal year 2020 (FY2020). When Congress returned from August recess, the House had passed 10 of 12 appropriations bills, while the Senate had yet to take up a single one. The Committee on Appropriations has now advanced 10 of its 12 appropriations bills out of committee, though none have reached the floor.

Disagreements over funding for a wall on the southern border, the start of the impeachment inquiry into the President, and other issues have held up the FY2020 process, but lawmakers from both parties have expressed optimism that they will finish negotiations before the CR’s deadline ahead of the Thanksgiving break.

NALC will continue to monitor the FY2020 appropriations process and keep letter carriers aware of any updates.