The House and Senate have left town for the Thanksgiving recess, but before leaving they passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR). The House passed the CR on Tuesday by a vote of 336-95. Two Democrats and 93 Republicans voted against the measure. The Senate took up the measure last night and passed it by a vote of 87-11. One Democrat and 10 Republicans voted against the CR. The bill now goes to the President who is expected to sign it before the current CR expires tomorrow at midnight.

The CR funds the government at current spending levels with some federal agencies funded through January 19 and the rest of the federal government through February 2. The January 19 date covers the Agriculture, Energy and Water, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Transportation HUD spending bills. The February 2 deadline includes the Commerce Justice Science, Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Interior Environment, Labor HHS Education, Legislative Branch, and State Foreign Operations. The CR also extends the authorization of the Farm bill until September 30, and some public health provisions, national health security provisions, and a special diabetes program through January 19. The bill does not include an emergency funding for Israel or Ukraine.

House Republicans had to pull their FY24 Commerce Justice Science appropriations bill from the floor this week after 19 Republicans (and all Democrats) voted against the rule for considering the bill on the House floor. The Republican objectors opposed the bill for not going far enough to cut FBI funding, despite the bill already including a 9% cut. The House then turned to the FY24 Labor HHS Education appropriations bill and adopted 93 amendments, but then abruptly left town for the Thanksgiving break. They aren’t expected to have the votes to pass that bill when they return after the break.

While a shutdown has been averted until next year, Congress’ to-do list when they return the week of November 27 includes a number of items. The supplemental funding request for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan will require a bipartisan deal on border security. A small group of Senators is continuing discussions over the Thanksgiving break to try to come to agreement on changes to border security policy and funding. The group is hoping to reach an agreement by Thanksgiving. Congress must also complete action on an FAA reauthorization (expires Dec 31), FISA surveillance authorities (expires Dec 31), and the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A number of tax and healthcare related items also need to be addressed.

Topline Funding Levels by Appropriations Subcommittee