The recently released short-term patch aims to sustain current spending rates for federal agencies through March 1 and March 8, maintaining the bifurcated deadline structure seen in the previous stopgap law.

Under the existing interim funding measure, budget authority for federal agencies covered by Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD would otherwise expire after Friday, Jan. 19. The second deadline, pertaining to agencies funded by the remaining eight fiscal 2024 appropriations bills, is set for Feb. 2.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., has announced the commencement of the process to consider the new stopgap bill on Tuesday. A Senate vote, scheduled today for 5:30 p.m., aims to conclude the debate on the motion to proceed to the shell legislative vehicle for the continuing resolution. 

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., initially reluctant towards short-term CRs, is facing pushback from conservatives regarding the $1.66 trillion topline spending deal with Schumer. Some conservatives argue for a longer CR, hoping that potential automatic funding cuts by April 30 could serve as leverage to reduce spending and secure policy concessions. Despite differing views, this ongoing situation underscores the complexities and negotiations surrounding federal funding.

Please stay tuned for further updates, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.