118th Congress Enacts Funding Patch in Late December; 119th Congress Sworn In

At the end of last year, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees finalized a continuing resolution (CR) to push the deadline for fiscal year (FY) 2025 funding to March 14, kicking responsibility to the new Congress. The CR continues funding at FY 2024 levels and includes supplemental funding for federal disaster programs and a year-long extension to the Farm Bill. While Congress successfully averted a government shutdown, the impact of the new CR will likely be seen in delays to the FY 2026 appropriations process, which traditionally begins in February.

On January 3, the 119th Congress was sworn in at the Capitol. As expected, House Representative and current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was reelected as Speaker, although his first vote was short of the majority required. While Speaker Johnson ultimately prevailed, the division within the Republican party is likely to continue throughout the session, making it difficult for legislation to pass despite the Republican trifecta. As previously indicated, completing FY 2025 funding will be an immediate priority for the new Congress, alongside confirming the presidential nominations of the incoming Trump Administration.

Stay tuned to COSSA’s coverage for all the details as the new Administration and Congress takes shape over the coming weeks.