Senate makes progress to avoid shutdown; House preps vote on revised relief package

The Senate Tuesday invoked cloture on the continuing resolution to extend federal funding to Dec. 11, setting the chamber up to pass the legislation today. The president is expected to sign the measure and prevent a federal government shutdown before funding expires at midnight tonight. In addition, the House could begin the process as early as today to advance a revised coronavirus relief package.

The short-term funding deal includes an administration-sought provision to provide assistance to farmers, as well as $8 billion for pandemic-related nutrition assistance. It also extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through Sept. 30, 2021. Congress is expected to continue spending discussions after the November election; while the House has passed its fiscal year 2021 spending package, the Senate has yet to do so.

In the House, Democrats Monday evening released a revised version of the HEROES Act, which addresses “needs that have developed since the House passed an earlier iteration and reflecting negotiations between Democrats and Republicans,” a press release stated.

The revised package includes:

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