House Democrats Introduce Continuing Resolution

House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) today introduced a continuing resolution with limited anomalies to extend federal government funding through Nov. 21 and avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month.

“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,” Chairwoman Lowey said. “Our continuing resolution will provide families, businesses, and communities with budget certainty while we negotiate long-term funding. After we pass this CR and the Senate moves forward with their process, I look forward negotiating responsible bills that uphold our values and give working families a better chance at a better life.”

The legislation also includes a package of health extenders negotiated by the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees.

“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,” Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) said. “This agreement will ensure Americans continue to have access to these vital public health programs while Congress works toward a long-term agreement. Our work isn’t done, and we must work toward a long-term deal to extend these programs and provide funding certainty.”

“This temporary patch ensures the uninterrupted continuation of a variety of health care services and expands the availability of treatment to a greater number of World Trade Center first responders and survivors,” Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) said. “Importantly, the measure also prevents the disruption of child care, workforce development, and other key family supports. While I welcome the momentary certainty the CR delivers, we must keep working to reach a long-term, bipartisan agreement that provides affected patients and families real peace of mind. I'm grateful for Chairwoman Lowey’s leadership and commitment to Democrats’ health priorities throughout this process.”

The text of the legislation, H.R. 4378, is available here. A division-by-division summary of the legislation is available here.