President Obama signed late Wednesday the continuing resolution (CR) that Congress passed earlier in the day to temporarily fund the federal government through December 11, averting a government shutdown. The House vote was 277 to 151 with House Democrats providing most of the votes in favor. The House acted just hours after the Senate passed a spending bill of its own by a vote of 78 to 20.
The House bill will continue federal money for Planned Parenthood, although the House also passed a separate measure to defund Planned Parenthood, but that vote was symbolic since the Senate did not take action on the bill. Therefore, the battle on Planned Parenthood could reemerge later in the year.
Congressional leaders and the White House have begun broader talks on a longer-term budget deal. But with House Speaker John Boehner’s abrupt announcement last week that he would leave Congress at the end of October , as well as infighting among Republicans, negotiations could be complicated. An increase in the debt ceiling, approval of new funds for highway construction, and passage of expiring tax provisions are expected to be addressed in those talks.
The passage of the CR allows participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP) to receive their benefits. Child nutrition programs, including school meals and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs for Women, Infants, and Children will continue to be funded through appropriations.
