Congress Passes Continuing Resolution

Congress has passed a continuing resolution (CR) funding federal agencies at current levels through Jan. 19, 2018, and temporarily delaying sequestration cuts to federal programs and agencies. The measure, which averts a government shutdown, heads to the president for his signature. Funding for the federal government is set to expire at midnight tonight.

The fact that a government shutdown appears to be avoided for now is clearly good news for federal employees, agencies and the country. However, lurching from one short-term spending agreement to another means we may be in the same bind next month when the new CR expires in three weeks. NTEU is pressing for adequate and stable funding for the federal government so that agencies have the resources they need and federal employees are not left anxious with another shutdown countdown.

NTEU understands that this has been a difficult and anxious time for federal employees and their families. We will continue to urge lawmakers to keep the government open and provide adequate funding for agencies where we represent federal employees. We will also keep pressing lawmakers to give the IRS the funding boost needed to implement the massive tax overhaul while keeping up with an already expanded everyday workload.

As lawmakers begin debate over a longer-term spending deal, we will continue to advocate strongly for legislation that would protect you in the event of a future shutdown and we will work to halt efforts that seek to target and slash your hard-earned pay and benefits. NTEU was instrumental in the introduction of legislation in the House and Senate that would ensure federal workers who are furloughed or forced to work without pay during the shutdown are compensated fully and quickly when the government re-opens. We will keep working to generate support for the legislation.

Thank you for supporting the union and your hard work every day on behalf of the American people. We will continue to deliver the important message to Congress that your contributions are vital to this country and that you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.