Congress Faces Busy September Ahead of Potential Government Shutdown

With the House and Senate returning this week, both chambers will be focused on reaching an agreement to fund the government before the September 30, 2023, deadline to avoid a shutdown. There are also several programs important to the osteopathic community that must be renewed before the same deadline, including the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Community Health Centers.

Reports indicate that leaders are working on a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown given the difficulty in passing the 12 appropriations bills in such a short time frame. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and President Joe Biden have all expressed support for a CR running through early December. Congress is also considering including brief extensions to the Farm Bill, Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization and the National Defense Authorization Act in the CR. Read AACOM’s analysis of the current legislative and government funding landscape for more information.