A deal has been struck in Congress to fund the government for the rest of the current fiscal year thereby moving one step closer to avoiding a partial shutdown at the end of this week.
The government is currently funded through Friday, May 5 per a short term funding agreement passed last week. Congress is expected to vote on the new budget resolution this week.
Terms of the Deal
Under the new agreement, there is no funding for the border wall, a key campaign promise from President Trump. However, it does include $1.5 billion for increased border security measures, such as additional detention beds, along with an additional $12.5 billion for increased military spending.
The bill also maintains federal funding for Planned Parenthood and sets aside $295 million for Puerto Rico to pay Medicaid.
The agreement also includes just over $60 million to reimburse local law enforcement in New York and Florida for costs associated with protecting Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago when the President visits these locations.
Federal Agencies
- The IRS budget would be $11.2 billion, freezing the agency at the FY 2016 enacted level and $1 billion below the previous Administration’s budget reques
- The National Institutes of Health would see a $2 billion budget increase under the deal, bringing its total budget to $34 billion
- EPA’s budget would be $8.06 billion, only $81.4 million less than its FY 2016 budget despite Trump’s budget proposal requesting significant cuts to the agency
- The Department of Education budget would be funded at $68 billion, which is $1.2 billion below FY 2016
- Social Security Administration’s budget would be set at $12.5 billion, a decrease of $60 million from FY 2016
- NOAA’s budget would be $5.7 billion, $90 million below its current enacted level
Military
The bill authorizes a 2.1% pay raise for the military, an increase over the 1.6% raise authorized for 2017.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the deal, saying in a statement:
This agreement is a good agreement for the American people, and takes the threat of a government shutdown off the table. The bill ensures taxpayer dollars aren’t used to fund an ineffective border wall, excludes poison pill riders, and increases investments in programs that the middle-class relies on, like medical research, education and infrastructure.
Not all lawmakers were excited about the agreement, however. Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) said on CNN, “I don’t think I’ll be voting for it. I think you’re going to see conservatives who have some real concerns with this legislation.”
