Funding negotiations remain at stalemate, government shutdown looms
With government funding set to expire at midnight tonight, spending negotiations continue between Republican leadership, Democrat leadership, and the White House. While some lawmakers have said they are close to a deal, Congress and the Administration have yet to reach a deal on overall spending caps, funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, disaster funding, and immigration fixes.
Earlier today, President Donald Trump met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.); however, the pair did not reach a deal, a White House official said. Sen. Schumer stated, “We discussed all of the major outstanding issues. We made some progress but we still have a good number of disagreements…The discussions will continue.” This evening, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney stated, “I think there’s a deal in the next 24 hours because of the nature of the back and forth.”
The current short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) was signed by the President in December to temporarily extend federal funding at mostly Fiscal Year 2017 levels, buying legislators more time to reach a deal. With a full- or two-year budget deal still seemingly out of reach, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) has backed another short-term funding resolution that would keep the government operating through mid-February. However, without critical protections for young immigrants included in the legislation, Democrats are unlikely to vote yes. While the Senate negotiates, Members of the House have delayed their recess in case a new vote is called.
As with the last government shutdown in 2013, many HUD and USDA staff could be furloughed beginning this weekend, and agency ability to make payments on contract renewals will hinge on existing and available budget authority. NAHMA is urging Congress and the White House to come to a full funding agreement as soon as possible.
Senate Committee re-approves Montgomery for FHA nomination
This week, the Senate Banking Committee again approved Brian Montgomery’s nomination to serve as Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner. Because the Committee’s previous vote of approval expired at the end of the legislative year, the vote was held again to send Mr. Montgomery’s nomination to the full Senate for consideration.
The Senate Banking Committee this week also re-approved Robert Kurtz’s nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
