WASHINGTON — Congress returned to Washington today to begin the second session of the 119th Congress, with lawmakers facing a Jan. 30 deadline to fund the federal government and avert a partial shutdown.
Several agencies—including the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, and congressional operations—are already funded through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Other departments and programs, however, remain subject to outstanding appropriations bills that must be completed before the end of the month to avoid a lapse in funding, America’s Credit Unions noted.
Greg Mesack, senior vice president of government affairs at America’s Credit Unions, said momentum is building after congressional leaders announced a bipartisan, bicameral package of appropriations bills. The measures do not directly affect credit unions, covering areas such as Justice and Interior, but signal progress in negotiations.
The House is expected to take up the package later this week, with Senate consideration anticipated next week. If enacted, the legislation would narrow the number of unresolved appropriations bills to six, down from the larger slate left unfinished when Congress passed a continuing resolution last November.
Mesack said there is little appetite on either side of the aisle for a shutdown, even as lawmakers continue to negotiate up against the deadline. While reaching agreement is never guaranteed, he said the current effort reflects a serious push to complete funding.
Looking ahead, Mesack noted that Congress is entering a crowded January agenda, with oversight activity tied to recent developments in Venezuela expected to demand significant time and attention. Combined with funding negotiations and other policy debates, the month is shaping up to be a busy one on Capitol Hill, he said.