House OKs Stopgap Funding for Government, Flood Insurance Until Nov. 21; Senate Action Awaited

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives last week passed a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding through Nov. 21 and avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month. The bipartisan vote of 301-123 saw three Democrats vote no while 76 Republicans supported it.

A section of the resolution extends the National Flood Insurance Program through November 21, 2019. The NFIP’s authorization is scheduled to expire Sept. 30.

In June Congress extended the NFIP until the end of this month as part of a disaster aid bill.

“It is critical that we avoid another government shutdown, which would harm our economy and hardworking Americans,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). “Our continuing resolution will keep government open and provide families, businesses, and communities with much-needed budget certainty while we negotiate long-term funding for key priorities.”

The funding measure, H.R. 4378, now advances to the Republican-controlled Senate, where its fate is uncertain.