Congress returned to Washington this week after a seven week recess facing a deadline to pass legislation to continue federal funding into fiscal year 2017. With only a few weeks left until the end of the fiscal year, Congress has started discussions regarding a short-term funding solution through a continuing resolution (CR).
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) have begun talks with the White House about a CR that would continue federal funding through Friday, December 9, 2016. The Senate could consider the CR as early as next week. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rodgers (R-KY) has indicated he would like the CR to run until Friday, December 16, 2016. Congress must pass a funding bill by September 30th to avoid a government shutdown.