Funding the Federal Gov’t Thru December 20th to Avoid a Shutdown (H.R. 3055)

What is H.R. 3055?

(Updated March 27, 2021)

This bill was enacted on November 21, 2019

(UPDATED - 11/18/19): This bill has been co-opted to serve as the legislative vehicle for a continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels through December 20, 2019, and extend expiring programs through the same period. It would a This bill initially passed the House as a $383 billion “minibus” funding package before it was amended and passed by the Senate as a $206 billion minibus. A breakdown of its current provisions can be found below.

This section of the bill would extend FY2019 funding through December 20, 2019, unless FY2020 appropriations are enacted sooner. It would also prohibit agencies from furloughing or terminating employees due to lack of funds during the duration of the CR. Among the programs and entities that would be extended and reauthorized through December 20, 2019, include the:

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP);

• Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank);

• Ukraine Assistance Initiative;

• Commodity Credit Corporation;

• District of Columbia’s local funds; and

• Activities related to the Census.

This section of the bill would extend the Community Health Centers Fund and the Special Diabetes Program through December 20, 2019, along with health programs under Medicaid and Medicare. It would also extend the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education grant program, the State Personal Responsibility Education Program, and programs within the Dept. of Health and Human Services through that date.

Argument in favor

There isn’t enough time for the Democratic House and Republican Senate to reach bipartisan consensus on spending with the White House. It’s not ideal, but this bill would prevent a partial government shutdown on November 21st and give Congress until December 20th to cut a deal.

Argument opposed

Rather than procrastinating by extending government funding for a month, Congress should focus on reaching a bipartisan spending agreement before November 21st so that a stop-gap funding bill like this isn’t needed.

Impact

The federal government.

Cost of H.R. 3055

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) introduced this bill to extend federal funding through December 20th and prevent a government shutdown after the current stopgap expires after November 21st:

“With a government shutdown deadline just days away, this continuing resolution is necessary to keep government open as we work towards completing the appropriations process. I am particularly proud that we are assuring full funding for a fair and accurate Census and assuring our servicemembers receive a 3.1 percent pay raise. I look forward to passing this legislation and getting it signed into law.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) offered remarks on the Senate floor indicating that Senate Republicans and the Trump administration are prepared to enact the CR to prevent a government shutdown:

“The Administration indicates the President is willing and ready to sign a clean CR through December 20 so that we can finish our work. The House & Senate need to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 20th and allow these talks to continue. The Senate can’t originate this funding bill, but we will wait to receive legislation from the House & then vote on it before we head back to our home states… This is what we need: A CR, as clean as possible, through December 20th, to enable more progress on appropriations before the end of the year. A clean CR through December 20th would pass the Senate.”