Congress Funds Federal Government Through Dec. 16

What happened: Congress Sept. 30 averted a government shutdown by passing an extension of current fiscal year funding levels through Dec. 16. The measure now goes to President Biden for signature.

Known as a continuing resolution, the extension allows Congress more time to reach agreement on new spending bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The House and Senate each released transportation spending bills for FY2023 that provide increases above levels already authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The House measure would provide an additional $1.75 billion for highway programs, while the Senate’s would add $3.16 billion through Sept. 30, 2023.

Why it matters: The agreement provides stability through mid-December for federal programs and state departments of transportation at the increased levels of the IIJA.

What’s next: Congress returns to Washington after the November elections to resume work on FY2023 spending bills.