House Returns for a Vote to End Government Shutdown

Following the Senate’s approval on Monday, the House is expected to vote today on a funding bill that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. This marks a significant step toward resolving the congressional impasse.

The final legislation would extend funding for most agencies until January 30 and include three full-year funding bills for some parts of the government. House Republicans are confident that the package will clear the lower chamber. President Trump is also expected to sign it, at which point the shutdown would end.

Of interest to credit unions, the funding bill contains language that will:

• Reverse the shutdown-related reductions in force, including those at the Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. CrossState, America’s Credit Unions, and other leagues advocated for the resumption of CDFI Fund activities once the shutdown ends and spearheaded efforts to get 103 Republican members of Congress to sign a letter supporting the fund.
• Provide impacted federal employees back pay for time missed over the shutdown.
• Make increased funds available for Small Business Administration programs, including the 7(a) program.
• Extend authorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act until January. 30.