Jan. 12, 2018 — After months of stalemate, Congressional leaders of both parties have expressed confidence that a 2-year deal to raise spending caps could be reached next week. However, even if they do reach a deal, the need for a fourth stopgap spending bill for FY2018, likely to fund the government through President's Day, remains highly likely.
The current continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown expires on Jan. 19. Another CR would allow appropriators several more weeks to write a detailed omnibus spending bill. (CQ Budget, 1/12/2018)
Disagreements continue to center around border security, a plan for handling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a healthcare package and equal increases in defense and nondefense money.
Meanwhile, the disaster aid package (HR 4667) — a supplemental spending bill — which was the largest in U.S. history, passed with bipartisan support in the House before the holidays, it was blocked in the Senate under pressure from conservative groups - who felt it went too far- and Democrats - who felt it was insufficient. Lawmakers are still working to pass it. (PoliticoPRO, 1/4/18)
