House defeats continuing resolution as government shutdown looms

The House Sept. 29 voted 198-232 to defeat a continuing resolution (H.R. 5525) that would have funded the federal government through Oct. 31 but would have reduced discretionary spending for most domestic programs by nearly 30%. The bill also would have created a Fiscal Commission tasked with recommending ways to reduce the federal budget deficit, including changes to Medicare. The Senate continues to consider a CR (H.R. 3935) that would fund the government and delay Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts through Nov. 17, while extending until then authorizations for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education. The Senate is reportedly considering adding border security funding to its CR. Action in the Senate may occur this weekend. Federal funding will expire at midnight Sept. 30. A government shutdown beginning on Oct. 1 remains highly likely.