Congress Returns from Recess with Little Time before End of Fiscal Year 2016
Lawmakers in the House and Senate returned to Washington, DC on September 6 as their August Recess concluded. They now have only three weeks before the end of the federal fiscal year (September 30th) to complete funding legislation for fiscal year 2017 (FY17). Now as the beginning of FY17 draws near, Congressional leaders have signaled that a stop-gap funding measure may be passed to keep the federal government operating past Sept 30.
According to congressional leadership aides, lawmakers are discussing options for a short term spending measure (continuing resolution or CR) to carry them past the November election. This is disappointing, considering the strength of both the House and Senate T-HUD appropriations bills and their funding increases for affordable housing programs.
As of today, no legislation has been introduced for a continuing resolution. President Obama is expected to discuss plans for a continuing resolution, as well as funding to combat the Zika virus, during a meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Monday, September 12. NAHMA will keep members updated, but we continue to encourage members to reach out to their congressional delegation and advocate for full funding for affordable housing programs in FY17.
In addition to the requesting FY17 funding for affordable housing programs, NAHMA members can also use their collective voice to increase awareness for affordable housing issues. NAHMA is urging members to participate in the Make Room Campaign as part of a national effort to place housing affordability as a major Congressional campaign agenda item by Election Day. We encourage you to visit our Urgent Grassroots Issues webpage to learn more about you can advocate FY17 funding for affordable housing programs and join the Make Room Campaign.