SUMMARY:  Government funding is set to expire on September 30 and Congress is working on a Continuing Resolution to extend FY 2022 funding levels, likely through mid-December.

With a week to go before government funding is set to expire with the beginning of the new fiscal year on October 1, House and Senate leaders are working on a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would extend funding to allow Congress additional time to negotiate a final spending agreement for FY 2023.  Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) has scheduled a procedural vote on the CR for Tuesday, September 27, leaving only three days for both the House and Senate to pass the CR before the end of the fiscal year.  Reports indicate that the legislative text is still being negotiated.

While there appears to be broad consensus to extend government funding, likely until December 16, there is a group of Republicans, who expect at least one chamber to be under Republican control next Congress, urging leaders to extend funding until early January so they will have a greater ability to cut government spending in the final spending package for
FY 2023.  To date, the House has passed six of the 12 appropriations bills.  The Senate has not passed any. 

In addition, members of Congress continue to negotiate which additional provisions will be included in the CR, such as additional funding for Ukraine and an extension of the authority for the FDA to collect user fees.  NTEU has been urging Congress to act promptly on the renewal of these user fees as they fund approximately 3,500 FTEs at FDA.  Failure to act in a timely manner could force furloughs at FDA.

As Congress and the White House continue to work on the outstanding funding issues, NTEU will continue to advocate against a shutdown and press for adequate funding for our agencies as well as for a pay increase for federal employees in a final funding agreement.  I will keep you updated on these developments.  For more information click here.