Shutdown Deadline Approaching
Congress reconvened this week with a potential government shutdown looming on December 20. Both chambers are focused on passing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until they can either pass the twelve regular spending bills individually or a comprehensive omnibus package can be enacted. Alternatively, the twelve bills could also be grouped into a handful of “minibus” authorizations. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) aims to pass a short-term CR potentially extending into March 2025, requiring bipartisan support.
Key negotiation issues include:
- Emergency disaster relief: Nearly $100 billion requested by President Biden for hurricane-affected Southeast regions.
- One-year extension of the farm bill.
Additionally, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is currently under discussion with a proposed $923 billion topline spending figure. The Senate Armed Services Committee initially approved a $25 billion defense spending increase, though Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) opposed it due to sequestration concerns.
Looking ahead, the final 2024 House count stands at 220–215 in favor of the Republicans. However, the GOP will start the 119th Congress with a slim majority of 217–215 until after the April 1 special elections in Florida:
- One seat lost from Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-FL) resignation.
- Expected departures of Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Michael Waltz (R-FL) for Trump administration positions.
The broader appropriations debate is expected to intensify as the CR timeline crystallizes. Republicans, poised to control the House, Senate, and White House, are likely to push for major spending cuts to accommodate extending the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts.
PHADA will continue to update members as additional information is made available. The Association encourages members to review PHADA’s FY 25 Appropriations Position Paper and contact elected officials to advocate for maximum HUD program funding.