Stopgap proposal would fund DOD through March 22

Congressional leaders have put forth a bipartisan proposal to extend funding deadlines to avert a partial government shutdown, saying more time is needed to craft a final deal on a fiscal year 2024 appropriations package that is within reach.

The proposal is a stopgap continuing resolution that would stop a partial government shutdown on Friday night by extending funding for several government agencies through March 8.

The proposal would also extend government funding for the Defense Department through March 22. Under the current CR, funding for DOD only runs through March 8.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released a statement saying the CR extensions are needed to give Congress time to flesh out an FY-24 appropriations agreement that has -- “in principle” -- been struck.

“Negotiators have come to an agreement on six bills: Agriculture-[Food and Drug Administration], Commerce-Justice and Science, Energy and Water Development, Interior, Military Construction-[Veterans Affairs], and Transportation-[Housing and Urban Development],” he said. "After preparing final text, this package of six full-year appropriations bills will be voted on and enacted prior to March 8. These bills will adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act discretionary spending limits and January’s topline spending agreement.”

The remaining six bills, which includes funding for DOD, “will be finalized, voted on and enacted prior to March 22," McConnell said.

Meanwhile, President Biden is scheduled to send his FY-25 request to Congress on March 11.