U.S. House Votes Down Continuing Resolution

Yesterday, Wednesday, September 18, the U.S. House of Representatives voted, 220 to 202, against a Continuing Resolution that would have funded the federal government at current levels through March 28, 2025. The federal government’s fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, when funding for many agencies expires. To date, The House has passed five of the 12 appropriations bills, including the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations which funds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. Without some sort of extension, federal programs not deemed essential would have to suspend many of their operations, forcing thousands of government workers to go on leave. With little time leading up to Election Day, lawmakers will be forced to pass a stopgap measure to keep the government funded. At the time of this writing, the Senate has yet to bring any appropriations bills to the floor for a vote.