Unprecedented “Laddered” Approach Seeks to Fund Government for Different Periods of Time
On November 14, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6363, the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act,” by a bipartisan vote of 336-95 to continue funding the government as Congress works to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget. Since none of the twelve FY24 appropriations bills were passed by Congress, a continuing resolution (CR) is necessary to prevent the government from shutting down, which would impact federal programs and personnel.
The unprecedented laddered approach to a continuing resolution extends funding for departments and agencies at FY23 funding levels but for different periods of time. Four appropriations bills, including the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) bill, will be funded through January 19, 2024, while the other remaining eight appropriations bills will be funded through February 2, 2024. The CR includes no “poison pills” or objectionable policy riders which allowed the bill to pass with both Republican and Democratic support. H.R. 6363 will now be considered in the U.S. Senate where it is expected to pass and prevent a government shutdown. President Biden has also indicated he will sign the CR before the current CR expires on Friday.