Congress ready to make a quick exit from D.C. following successful dodge of shutdown • Kansas Reflector

The U.S. House has approved a stopgap spending bill that will keep the government running until Dec. 20 to avoid a shutdown. The bill allows more time for negotiations on the full-year appropriations bills but postpones major decisions about funding. Congress is optimistic about passing full-year bills later this year but faces challenges with the December deadline. The bill also includes provisions for Secret Service, FEMA, and the National Flood Insurance Program. Lawmakers are urged to work together in a lame-duck session to reach agreements. The outcome of the November elections will impact future funding decisions. A new president next year will submit a budget request to Congress, starting the annual budget process. Regardless of election outcomes, bipartisan cooperation will be necessary to prevent further stopgap bills. The Senate and House Appropriations Committees will likely begin discussions next spring on the next budget cycle. This year, the House approved all 12 appropriations bills while the Senate has approved 11 in committee but has yet to bring them to the floor for final votes. The House and Senate must work together to avoid delays and ensure crucial funding for various programs. Cooperation between parties and chambers is crucial to pass the full-year funding bills and avoid more stopgap measures in the future.

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