Congress Approves ‘Stopgap’ Continuing Resolution to Avoid Partial Government Shutdown

Congress will have roughly two more months to approve next year's appropriations bills after both chambers passed a continuing resolution Thursday to avert a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare. The resolution now heads to President Biden's desk, where it is expected to be signed soon.

4th District Representative Dan Newhouse said the legislation will simply continue the spending levels that were already in place in the current fiscal year.

"Which, interestingly, are an extension of the Trump Administration spending levels." stated Newhouse, "So I was happy to support that."

Newhouse added that he's frustrated that Congress found itself in this position as it was no secret even months ago that time was running out. The new deadline to avert a partial government shutdown is December 3rd.

The legislation includes $10 billion for WHIP-Plus, a program that provides emergency aid to growers after a disaster.

The continuing resolution did not include a suspension or hike of the debt limit, which originally was a sticking point for most Congressional Democrats.