The Federal Government’s Fiscal Year ends at the end of this month. Both Houses of Congress will reconvene for legislative action this week. We expect to see timely action on appropriations, which will prevent, or at least postpone, yet another government shut-down.
Prior to the Summer Recess, the House of Representatives passed 10 of its 12 annual appropriations bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee is slated to begin action on its 12 bills on September 12. After each House completes that process, differences will need to be reconciled by a Conference Committee. Then, the President will need to complete the process.
Given the amount of work that will need to be done, and given the shortness of time in which to do it, those closest to the matter expect the Government to be kept in operation with a Continuing Resolution, giving Federal lawmakers an additional 60 days to resolve outstanding issues.
We will keep an eye on the process and on the particulars as they might impact municipal operations, and advise you on the outcomes.
Contact: Jon Moran, Senior Legislative Analyst, jmoran@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x121.