Washington, January 18, 2018 -

The U.S. House today approved legislation to maintain current funding for federal operations and prevent a government shutdown. The Continuing Resolution (CR) is a stopgap measure that will extend government funding through February 16, 2018. In absence of this legislation, existing funding would run out on January 19, 2018. 

In addition to continuing government funding and preventing a shutdown, the bill includes language to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years, a provision that allows the Department of Defense to provide funding for “Missile Defeat and Defense Enhancements” activities, and extensions of several health care-related tax provisions.

Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen made the following statement on the legislation:

“This legislation would extend government funding through February 16, 2018 – avoiding a costly, destabilizing, government shutdown.

“This measure is another step – and hopefully, one of the last – toward completing all 12 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations bills. As we are now four months into the Fiscal Year, it is my hope that Leadership in the House and Senate and the White House will quickly come to a budget agreement that allows Congress to move forward on this funding legislation. It is critical that these year-long funding bills are enacted to ensure the adequate and efficient functioning of our government, the reliability of programs important to the lives and livelihoods of the American people, and the safety and security of our nation. The men and women of our Armed Forces must have the resources they need to accomplish our missions at home and abroad.

“I now urge the Senate to quickly pass this measure to avoid a shutdown and allow Congress to move forward on a longer-term solution.”

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