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House reaches deal on continuing resolution, vote expected Thursday

by Niv Elis - 09/18/19 6:25 PM ET

House Democrats filed stopgap legislation Wednesday evening to prevent a shutdown and keep the government running through Nov. 21.

A floor vote on the continuing resolution (CR) is expected Thursday.

{mosads}House Democrats unexpectedly pulled the bill from rules consideration on Tuesday night over disagreements with Republicans about several issues, including how the extension dealt with health care and aid to farmers affected by the trade war with China.

Negotiations continued Wednesday with Senate Republicans in hopes of striking a deal before the House vote, which would allow the Senate to take up the bill as is.

The Senate is struggling to pass its own versions of spending bills ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.

“While the House did its work, the Senate appropriations process is far behind. Because of this delay, we must pass a continuing resolution to avoid another government shutdown,” House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) said.

“Our continuing resolution will provide families, businesses, and communities with budget certainty while we negotiate long-term funding,” she added.

The final CR included a Democratic demand that the Department of Agriculture report to Congress about the effects of the trade war on farmers as well as a package of health-related extenders.

“I’m pleased that we were able to come to a short-term agreement to extend critical public health programs expiring at the end of the month including Community Health Centers, Medicaid in Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories and the Demonstration Program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics,” said Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.).

It also included a rebuke of the White House, adding directions to prevent the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from attempting to block funds through rescissions.

In August, OMB briefly froze foreign aid funds while considering whether to try to block them altogether.

Tags Frank Pallone Jr. Nita Lowey