Stopgap Spending Bill to Prevent Shutdown, Fund Disaster Relief Unveiled by Congress
TL/DR –
Congressional leaders have proposed a stopgap spending package to fund the US federal government through March 14, which includes over $100 billion in emergency aid for states and local communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters. The bill would prevent a partial government shutdown, and includes provisions for initiatives such as telehealth coverage for Medicare enrollees and restrictions on investments in countries posing national security threats. The proposed package also includes $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers struggling with falling commodity prices and high costs.
US Congress Unveils Stopgap Spending Bill with Over $100 Billion in Emergency Aid
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have presented a temporary spending bill to keep the government operational until March 14 and provide $100+ billion in emergency aid to recover from Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and other natural disasters. This measure will prevent a government shutdown starting after midnight Friday.
Congress is working to avoid a government shutdown while funding hurricane relief.
The continuing resolution mainly maintains current agency spending levels. It’s the second short-term funding lawmakers have approved this fall as they struggled to pass the annual appropriations before the new fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
The bill includes $100.4 billion in disaster relief and an additional $10 billion economic aid for struggling farmers. House Speaker Mike Johnson assures more aid will be delivered in the next Congress.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., confirms the agreement includes money for Democratic priorities such as child care, workforce training, and job placement.
Rep. Glenn Thompson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, sees it as a positive start, signaling to markets farmers and ranchers can get credit necessary for their work.
President Joe Biden requested $114 billion in disaster aid, emphasizing the urgent need. The largest share ($29 billion) will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for cleanup and infrastructure repairs. Other allocations include $21 billion for farmers suffering loss, $8 billion for highway and bridge repairs, $12 billion for community recovery, and $2.2 billion for low-interest recovery loans.
Sen. Patty Murray, Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, described it as a robust, bipartisan package providing urgently required resources.
Congress is expected to pass the measure ahead of another shutdown deadline. The last must-pass legislation of this Congress will include several priorities such as extending Medicare telehealth appointments and limiting pharmacy benefits managers earnings.
Provisions aimed at countering China are included in the bill, expanding a Biden executive order restricting investments into countries posing a national security threat to the United States.
There is also a provision for land transfer from federal government to District of Columbia for a potential new stadium for the Washington Commanders?
Lastly, the legislation provides full federal funding to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, collapsed when struck by a cargo ship. Federal taxpayers will be reimbursed through insurance payments and litigation.
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Associated Press staff writers Stephen Groves and Amanda Seitz contributed to this report.
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