Funding the Government for Two Days Thru December 20th to Avoid a Shutdown (H. Joint Res. 107)

What is H. Joint Res. 107?

(Updated June 16, 2021)

This bill was enacted on December 18, 2020

This continuing resolution (CR) would extend funding for the federal government at current levels for two days from the current deadline of midnight on Friday, December 18, 2020, to Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Argument in favor

In an ideal world, Congress would pass funding for FY2021 on time without needing a third continuing resolution in two and a half months to do its job and fund the government. However, lawmakers need two more days to continue negotiations on FY2021 appropriations and a coronavirus relief package, and this bill would avoid a brief partial government shutdown.

Argument opposed

While there may be bipartisan support for extending government for two days to avoid a shutdown, Congress should allow a partial government shutdown to occur over the weekend as a means of encouraging members to reach a compromise on appropriations for the rest of FY2021 and a coronavirus relief package.

Impact

The federal government.

Cost of H. Joint Res. 107

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) introduced this continuing resolution to avoid a partial government shutdown while negotiations over an omnibus FY2021 appropriations bill and coronavirus relief continue:

“The American people urgently need coronavirus relief and this short stopgap bill will allow bipartisan, bicameral negotiators to complete their work on this important issue. I look forward to swiftly passing omnibus appropriations and coronavirus relief legislation through the House as soon as possible.”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told reporters:

“I think we’re very close to getting an agreement. I think two more days would allow us the time to get it done.” 

Of Note: This is the third continuing resolution (CR) Congress has considered since fiscal year 2020 ended on September 30, 2020. Congress enacted a 10-week CR on September 30th that ran through December 11th, and then approved a one-week CR to extend funding through December 18th.

Media:

• House Appropriations Committee Democrats Press Release