House leaders have formally unveiled a continuing resolution (CR) that would stave off a government shutdown slated to take place at the end of the month should congressional leaders not meet the September 30 spending deadline.
The measure funds federal agencies and programs run by the Department of Education (ED) through December 11 and also includes a variety of anomalies related to coronavirus aid. The House earlier this summer advanced its fiscal year 2021 spending bills, including one that would fund Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-H).
While the measure contains a number of funding extensions and aims to provide minor relief for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, negotiations over a larger aid package remain ongoing — though it is uncertain whether additional aid will be administered before the presidential election. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has said it was her intention to keep the negotiations over additional aid and government spending separate.
“While the House did its job and passed bills funding nearly every government agency, Senate Republicans did not even begin the appropriations process. Because of their irresponsibility, a continuing resolution is sadly necessary,” said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.