Congress has finally passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will fund the federal government through December 11, 2026. The CR will also prevent the White House from implementing harmful regulations that, if enacted, would drastically change how federal funding, including federal research, is evaluated. The U.S. Senate passed the bill 90 to 6 and the House approved it by a vote of 370 to 48.
In a surprising move, the White House indicated its support by issuing what is called a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP), stating that the President’s senior advisers would recommend that he sign the CR—even though the CR would temporarily block implementation of a major administration policy objective. SAPs, which the White House issues on major pieces of legislation, can influence how members of Congress vote.
Passing a CR so early in the budget process is slightly unusual. However, this year, neither political party has an interest in having a government shutdown right before a very consequential Congressional election.
The enactment of the delay language doesn’t mean our work is done. It just buys us more time. It will be important that we use that time wisely.
About the Author:
Kevin M. Wilson serves as Chief Policy Officer for the American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org
