House appropriators propose extending CR to Feb. 16

House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) has introduced a stopgap continuing resolution that would keep the federal government funded until Feb. 16, as well as allow the Pentagon to begin spending money provided for "missile defeat and defense enhancements."

The proposed CR also contains language that would extend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years, along with other healthcare-related tax provisions.

The CR, if approved by Congress, would be the fourth such measure for fiscal year 2018. The current CR expires Friday.

"Once again, a continuing resolution is needed to provide government funding and avoid a shutdown," Frelinghuysen said in a statement Tuesday night.

"My hope is that House and Senate Leadership and the White House can reach consensus quickly on a budget agreement, so that essential appropriations work on all 12 government funding bills can be completed," he continued. "We are now four months into the 2018 fiscal year, and Congress must act as soon as possible to ensure that proper, year-long funding for our national defense and other critical federal programs is enacted."

Jennifer Hing, a spokeswoman for the House Appropriations Committee, said the CR proposal does not provide new money for missile defense, but allows DOD to spend the funds provided under the last CR, which Congress passed Dec. 22.