This week, Congress continued to face a September 30, 2016 deadline to pass legislation to ensure federal funding is available in fiscal year 2017. Congressional leaders worked through the week to finalize an agreement but were unable to close funding negotiations and vote on a short-term funding solution through a continuing resolution (CR).
The major issues that have delayed negotiations are Zika funding, funding to address Flint, Michigan’s lead-contaminated drinking water, and funding to help Louisiana recover from recent floods. Congressional leadership expects negotiations to be finalized on a CR by next week leading to votes in the Senate and possibly in the House during the upcoming week.