SUMMARY:  Congress plans to pass a one-week Continuing Resolution to provide additional time to reach an agreement on an end of the year spending agreement, which may include some coronavirus relief measures. 

With government funding set to expire this Friday, December 11, Congress is planning to pass a one-week Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend funding until December 18 to allow additional time to reach an agreement on a final spending deal.  While congressional leaders have reportedly made progress on the appropriations bills, differences remain on various funding and policy issues.  Absent an omnibus spending bill or another CR, a shutdown would occur. 

NTEU continues to work with allies in Congress to push for adequate funding for federal agencies and a fair pay increase.  As you know, despite the President’s announcement of a 1 percent increase for 2021, the White House now supports the proposal by the Senate Appropriations Committee for a pay freeze.  Federal employees have been on the job throughout the pandemic, sometimes at great personal risk to themselves and their families, because their jobs are essential to delivering important services to the American public and they deserve a fair raise.  

Congress is also looking to pass a coronavirus relief package before the end of the year, likely adding it to the funding agreement.  While discussions on the package have taken on renewed efforts, significant disagreements remain, and it is unclear if a large package will be agreed to or if a few expiring provisions will be extended.

               NTEU will continue to fight for federal employees as Congress negotiates a final spending and relief package, and I will keep you updated with any developments.  For more information, click here.