Fall Forecast: Congress Eyes Short Sprint to End of Fiscal Year

Congress has been back in their home districts this month for the August recess, but will return to Washington following Labor Day weekend. Once back, they’ll only have ten working days until the end of fiscal year (FY) 2023 on September 30. With final passage of annual spending bills unlikely by that date, Congress must pass a continuing resolution (CR) extending current funding levels to avoid a federal government shutdown. With the House of Representatives seeking to cut federal spending to FY 2022 levels, it may prove difficult for the two sides to come to an agreement. Even if a shutdown is avoided at the end of September, it remains a possibility before the end of the calendar year. Further adding to the challenge is the amount of other legislation that is also set to expire at the end of the fiscal year, including the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual defense policy bill; the Farm Bill, which dictates agricultural policy and spending; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization legislation; and the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA); among other bills.

Publication Type
Washington InfO

Topic
Government Relations