As Congress comes back to work this week after the "Presidential Day" recess, the most pressing issue facing members is working to reach agreement by March 4th to prevent a government shutdown.
March 4 is the date when the current funding measure expires. Prior to the recess, the House passed H.R. 1 which cuts funding for the remainder of the current year by $61 billion and included a 62.5% to the Community Development Block Grant Program. With the Senate calling that bill dead on arrival and the President refusing to sign it, leaders have just a few days to hammer out a long-term agreement or reach a deal on another short-term measure.
Either one could be difficult to accomplish. If Congress and the President fail to come to agreement, the federal government would close down for the 16th time since the presidency of Jimmy Carter.
Keep an eye on the League's "Inside 208" blog and our home page for the most up to date information.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
b67b1b49-9653-4d7d-86a5-f89f4e6d4c72|0|.0
