SUMMARY:  The Senate passed legislation to increase the debt limit, which should allow the government to pay its bills until at least early December.  The bill now heads back to the House, where it is expected to pass. 

By a vote of 50-48, the Senate passed legislation today to increase the debt limit. 11 Senate Republicans joined Democrats in a procedural vote that allowed the bill to pass without any Republican support. The debt limit increase is expected to provide enough leeway to pay the government’s bills until early December, however, it is possible incoming tax revenue could allow Treasury to stay under the new borrowing cap a little longer.  The House is expected to pass the bill in the coming days ahead of the October 18 deadline.

As you know, government funding under the continuing resolution (CR) expires on December 3, setting up a potential two-headed "fiscal cliff" later this year.  NTEU will continue to urge Congress and the White House to fully fund federal agencies and ensure the full faith and credit of the United States.  I will keep you updated on any developments.