Funding the Federal Gov’t Thru November 21st to Avoid an October Shutdown (H.R. 4378)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 4378?
(Updated December 4, 2020)
This bill was enacted on September 27, 2019
This bill would fund the government at current, FY2019 levels through November 21, 2019, to avoid a partial government shutdown on October 1st. It would also extend a variety of health and tax policies that are set to expire. A detailed breakdown of this bill’s provisions can be found below.
CONTINUING RESOLUTION
This section of the bill would extend FY2019 funding through November 21, 2019, unless FY2020 appropriations are enacted sooner. It would also prohibit agencies from furloughing or terminating employees due to lack of funds during the duration of the CR. Among the programs and entities that would be extended and reauthorized through November 21, 2019, include the:
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP);
Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank);
Ukraine Assistance Initiative;
Commodity Credit Corporation;
District of Columbia’s local funds; and
Activities related to the Census.
HEALTH & TAX EXTENDERS
This section of the bill would extend the Community Health Centers Fund and the Special Diabetes Program through November 21, 2019, along with health programs under Medicaid and Medicare. It would also extend the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education grant program, the State Personal Responsibility Education Program, and programs within the Dept. of Health and Human Services through that date.
Argument in favor
There isn’t enough time for the Democratic House and Republican Senate to reach bipartisan consensus on spending with the White House. It’s not ideal, but this bill would prevent a partial government shutdown on October 1st and give Congress until late November to cut a deal.
Argument opposed
Rather than procrastinating by extending government funding for seven weeks, Congress should focus on reaching a bipartisan spending agreement before October 1st so that a stop-gap funding bill like this isn’t needed.
Impact
The federal government.
Cost of H.R. 4378
The CBO estimates that this bill would continue previously authorized spending at current levels.
Additional Info
In-Depth: House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-CA) introduced this bill to extend federal government funding through November 21st:
“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. 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 [to] negotiating responsible bills that uphold our values and give working families a better chance at a better life.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have expressed an openness to a short-term continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown.
Media:
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: iStock.com / DNY59)
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