Congressional leaders are working to avoid a partial government shutdown by releasing a 1,547-page bill extending fiscal year 2024 government funding levels through March 14. The continuing resolution (CR) also includes more than $100 billion in funding for disaster relief after storms Helene and Milton hit the US Southeast, as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers.
The bill also includes health care provisions aimed at reducing the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and legislation to revitalize Washington, DC’s RFK Stadium and surrounding area. Additionally, it will make way for outbound investment legislation to crack down on the flow of US dollars benefiting Chinese military and technology firms overseas.
The bill was released after last-minute negotiations, and must pass the Republican-controlled House and Democrat-controlled Senate by Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown. Some Republican lawmakers are criticizing the bill, saying it is too long and includes unrelated policy riders, and that it does not give them enough time to review the legislation.
It’s unclear if the bill will pass, and some Republicans are concerned that fighting for a short-term extension will risk derailing the forward-facing agenda they hope to enact in the first 100 days of the new administration.