The House and Senate continue to negotiate a final deal on a four-bill spending package (“minibus”) that includes the FY19 Transportation-HUD (THUD) and Agriculture spending bills. Several issues are stalling negotiations, including a House Republican provision that would set aside $585 million for a “Fund for America’s Kids and Grandkids,” which can only be spent once the federal deficit is eliminated. Many Democrats object to this proposal since it prevents the money from being spent for the foreseeable future. Congress has until September 30, the last day of the current fiscal year, to negotiate a deal on the minibus. Without an agreement, Congress will likely fund HUD and USDA affordable housing programs through a stopgap funding measure running through December 7. Lawmakers plan to attach the stopgap funding bill, known as a continuing resolution, to a different spending package that has already been negotiated.
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