Skip to content
News and updates

Category: Pure Politics

Another CR Needed

Posted on

So, even with the intensified negotiations over the past several days on the next COVID relief package, it appears very unlikely that the different sides will reach an agreement before the clock strikes midnight tonight. Even the various sides were to get to an acceptable compromise, it would take time to turn that into legislative text.  This means that another continuing resolution (CR) will be needed to prevent a shutdown.  The House is currently voting on a two-day CR, which would extend funding through Sunday.

While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has committed to keeping the chamber in session until a final COVID package is passed, it remains to be seen how long that will actually take.

Read about the situation here and here.

Still No Deal…

Posted on

With the clock ticking, and although Congressional and White House negotiators are talking, there is still no deal on a next round of COVID relief.  As the result of a one-week continuing resolution, those involved in the discussions bought themselves an extra week, until Midnight Saturday, to come to an agreement.  It appears that a number of sticking points remain.

The Congressional leadership and the White House are seeking to attach the legislation to the $1.4-trillion FY2021 omnibus appropriations package that has been agreed to separately.  It is very possible that another short-term funding measure may be needed.

Read more about the situation here and here.

CR Adopted by the Senate

Posted on

Earlier this afternoon, the Senate approved by voice vote a one-week continuing resolution (CR), which, if signed by the President, would keep the government funded through next Friday.  The current CR expires at midnight tonight.

The extension is designed to buy some more time for negotiators to come an agreement on the FY2021 spending package and possibly on another COVID relief bill.  The extra week also gives Congress time to potentially vote to override a promised-veto on next year’s defense authorization legislation.

House Clears Another CR

Posted on

Earlier this afternoon, the House cleared another short-term funding measure by a vote of 343 to 67.  Assuming that the Senate approves it and it is signed by the President before midnight Saturday, the negotiators will have bought themselves another week to produce a FY2021 spending package as well as, possibly, another COVID relief bill before officially adjourning the 116th Congress.