Congress Ends 3-Day Government Shutdown with Continuing Resolution

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

A three-day government shutdown came to an end on Monday when the Senate advanced a continuing resolution to provide funding for the federal government through Feb. 8.   

The government shutdown began on Saturday after the Senate failed to reach agreement on a spending plan. The sticking point was not so much on funding, but on immigration policy. Senate Democrats were seeking a more certain path forward on legislation that would create a path to citizenship for Dreamers, who are undocumented immigrants brought to the United States by their parents at a young age. Without this path, the Dreamers could be deported when their legal protections expire on March 5. 

In an agreement reached on Monday morning, Senate Republican leadership committed to considering immigration legislation in February. Senate Democrats then provided enough votes to advance the continuing resolution.

With the continuing resolution in place, Congress will continue its work on passing a federal budget. If they fail to reach a consensus on that spending plan by Feb. 8, the House and Senate may once again pass a continuing resolution. Stay tuned to your email and Advantage for updates.