WASHINGTON–Both houses of Congress are in session this week, but what comes out by week’s end remains very much up in the air.
As CUNA’s chief advocacy officer, Ryan Donovan, observed, “There could be a lot of activity or it could be a big dud.”
The biggest issue on the congressional plate is appropriations legislation to fund the federal government. Congress could pass yet another continuing resolution to fund the government for a week to three months, or it could pass a larger omnibus package that funds the government through next year.
Another big issue remains: a COVID-19 recovery/stimulus bill. There had been momentum for some sort of agreement between Republicans and Democrats, but at least early in the week some of the support for a package seemed to have been lost.
“It remains to be seen if a package can be arrived at before Congress leaves town,” said Donovan.
Avoiding a Shutdown
Similarly, NAFCU is also watching what actions Congress might take. Carrie Hunt, EVP/general counsel with the trade group, pointed out failure to pass any budget resolution would lead to another government shutdown at the same time a pandemic is raging and the holidays are arriving.
Credit unions that serve federal employees, said Hunt, have always stood up for their members and would be ready to do so again in the event of a shutdown.