Congress returns to session this week with days to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open. The House of Representatives passed a short term bill to keep the government open through November 21st, but a vote on that package has yet to be scheduled in the Senate. While the Senate is expected to vote in time to avoid a shutdown, it’s possible they vote on a “clean CR” that removes provisions looking at the impact of the Administration’s trade policies, among other policies.

That would also have implications for a number of health care programs that are set to expire at the end of the month. The House did extend several programs through the November 21st deadline, but stakeholders are pushing for a full reauthorization to avoid the paralyzing month-to-month planning that preceded last year’s government shutdown that spilled into early 2019. With a number of larger political fights still unresolved, we are likely looking at an intensive fall work period where policymakers can address a number of outstanding programs and policies in an end-of-year megadeal.