WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation (H.J.Res 25) introduced by Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) to maintain current funding for federal operations and prevent a government shutdown. This fourth Continuing Resolution (CR) is a stop-gap measure that will extend government funding through February 16, 2018. If the Senate does not pass this legislation, existing funding will run out on Friday, January 19, 2018. 

In addition to continuing essential government funding, the bill extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years and suspends for two years the imposition of the medical device excise tax. 

“It is critically important that we provide resources for our children’s health. Families across the nation rely on CHIP - the Children’s Health Program - to help sick children and support pregnant mothers to ensure healthy and happy futures. This legislation extends this important program for another six years.”

“The 2.3 percent tax on medical devices which took effect January 1 may sound minimal, but it adds to the costs that every hospital, rehabilitation facility and doctor must charge patients,” said Frelinghuysen.  “Many people depend on medical devices to keep them alive or living independently every day.  It was one of the most punitive taxes enacted through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).”

H.J. Res 25 also includes funding to advance U.S. missile defense systems in light of the developing threat from North Korea.

“This Continuing Resolution is needed to provide government funding and avoid a shutdown of essential services to the American people. My hope is that House and Senate Leadership and the White House can reach consensus quickly on a budget agreement, so that essential Appropriations work on all 12 government funding bills can be completed,” Frelinghuysen said.  “We are now four months into the 2018 Fiscal Year, and Congress must act as soon as possible to ensure that proper, year-long funding for our national defense and other critical federal programs is enacted.”

The final vote on H.J. Res. 25 (the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 195) was 230-197.

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