Congress Passes Another Stopgap Spending Bill, Again Averting a Shutdown

House and Senate lawmakers on Sunday passed yet another stopgap spending bill to keep government operating while lawmakers finalize the details of a stimulus package aimed at providing economic relief for millions of Americans suffering hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Moments ago, in consultation with our committees, the four leaders of the Senate and the House finalized an agreement," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor Sunday evening. "There will be another major rescue package for the American people."

Congress on Friday had passed a 2-day continuing resolution to keep government operating over the weekend, but with funding slated to run out at midnight Sunday, another extension proved necessary. Lawmakers expect on Monday to vote on both the economic stimulus package and on an omnibus appropriations bill to fund agencies through September 2021.  

Negotiations on both the appropriations bill and on the economic stimulus bill hit a series of snags in recent days even as lawmakers insisted they were nearing agreement. 

“Negotiations are moving forward,” Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said on the House floor Friday. “We are close to a final package.” He added that negotiators would need the extra two days to get across the finish line, but that estimate turned out to be too optimistic. 

Sunday’s continuing resolution was the fourth this year. 

“The American people urgently need coronavirus relief and this short stopgap bill will allow bipartisan, bicameral negotiators to complete their work on this important issue,” said Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., speaking of the third CR. Lowey chairs the Appropriations Committee.