Congress averts shutdown with 2-week spending bill

Congress passed a two-week temporary spending measure late Thursday, avoiding a shutdown of the federal government, but leaving several significant budget differences to be negotiated by Dec. 22.

The measure passed both the House and Senate, and President Trump said he will sign it. The resolution will keep the government funded at present levels through Dec. 22. While the bill averts a shutdown for now, Republicans and Democrats may find themselves facing a shutdown again in two weeks if they cannot come to terms on spending priorities. In the event of a shutdown, many government functions, including certain functions related to immigration, would be suspended.

The stopgap measure extends four immigration programs that would have sunset today at midnight: E-Verify, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, the Special Immigrant Religious Worker program and the Conrad 30 Waiver program for foreign doctors.

BAL Analysis: Congressional approval of the stopgap spending measure eliminates the possibility of a government shutdown for the time being. However, this short-term extension only postpones a difficult budget fight at the end of the year.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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