With fewer than 10 days before the end of the federal fiscal year, Congress is making little progress toward a Continuing Resolution that will keep the federal government open after September 30, 2015. House and Senate leaders have begun discussions on a short-term funding bill, but a visit from Pope Francis next week will reduce the workweek. And, pressure from conservatives to prohibit funding for Planned Parenthood is making it difficult to reach an agreement in time.
Under the most optimistic scenario, Congress will pass a Continuing Resolution until late November or early December without any provisos, such as Planned Parenthood restrictions, that could trigger a Presidential veto. This would provide sufficient time to negotiate a major legislative package before the end of the year that would fund the federal government for the remainder of Federal Fiscal Year 2016, increase the debt ceiling, extend certain expiring tax provisions, and continue highway programs set to expire on October 31, 2015. With so many moving parts in such a volatile political season, the complicated package could fall apart, resulting in a government shut-down.