WASHINGTON–The longest federal government shutdown has come to an end.
The House on Wednesday passed a spending package to reopen the government and sent the legislation to President Trump’s desk. The president has now signed the measure.
The 222-to-209 vote came on Day 43 of the shutdown and days after eight senators in the Democratic caucus broke their own party’s blockade and joined Republicans in allowing the spending measure to move forward.
As the CU Daily reported earlier, the Senate has already voted 60-40 to advance the continuing resolution (CR) on the funding, as well as to move forward on three other bills that would fund the Department of Veterans Affairs, the FDA, the Department of Agriculture (which would include funding for the SNAP program and for WIC), military construction and the executive branch of government.
For credit unions, it would mean paychecks for hundreds of thousands of members and the ability to repay emergency loans that were taken out to bridge the gap.
First Action in Nearly Two Months
The action to reopen the government was the first time the House had held a vote in nearly two months, as it took an extended recess during the shutdown.
Only two Republicans, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Greg Steube of Florida, broke ranks and voted against the bill to reopen the government. Media reports quoted Steube as saying he opposed the legislation because of a provision the Senate had added at the last minute that created a wide legal avenue for eight Republican senators to sue the U.S. government for as much as half a million dollars each.
America’s Credit Unions Responds
“We are grateful that Congress came together to re-open the government and put an end to the longest government shutdown in history,” Scott Simpson, president of America’s Credit Unions, said in a statement. “But we are even more grateful to the credit unions who were a steadfast partner to millions of Americans facing financial hardships. We saw during the shutdown just how essential credit unions are to the financial well-being of people and communities across the country. With Congress back in session, our focus remains on amplifying credit unions’ voice to protect and enhance their ability to meet members’ needs, in good times and bad.”
Defense Credit Union Council Responds
“This vote is a welcome relief to millions of military families and federal workers who have endured unnecessary uncertainty,” Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer, said in a statement. “We thank Congress for acting to end the shutdown. However, this should be the last time our service members and Coast Guard personnel are used as political pawns in budget negotiations.”
DCUC stated that throughout the shutdown credit unions once again demonstrated their “unwavering commitment to those who serve,” including advancing pay to waiving fees.
It cited as an example example Keesler Federal Credit Union in Mississippi, which launched a Paycheck Relief Program offering direct-deposit advances for affected federal employees, ensuring they could continue to provide for their families during the lapse in funding.
As the CU Daily reported, hundreds of other credit unions offered similar existence.
“Credit unions didn’t wait for Washington to act—they stood up for their members immediately,” Stverak added. “That commitment to mission and member is what defines the credit union community and philosophy.”
Call for New Legislation
In a statement, DCUC again called for rlegislation guaranteeing continued pay for the military and Coast Guard during any future government funding gaps.
“Shutdowns should never threaten the pay or credit standing of those who serve our nation,” Stverak added. “Congress has now shown what bipartisan cooperation can achieve. Let’s build on this momentum to ensure permanent protections are in place.”
Added DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez in a statemernt, “Our nation’s defenders should never have to question whether their pay will arrive on time. DCUC and our member credit unions will continue to advocate for solutions that uphold financial readiness and peace of mind for those who protect our freedom.”
About the Package
As the CU Daily has previously reported, the House will be voting on a Senate package that would:
- Reverse the reductions in force that have taken place during the shutdown, including at Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. Restoration of staff would allow for the processing of CDFI Fund applications and the disbursement of CDFI funds. More than 400 credit unions are CDFIs.
- Provide federal workers with backpay from the six-week shutdown.
- Make increased funds available for Small Business Administration programs, including the 7(a) program
- Extend authorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act until Jan. 30.
