114th Congress Works to Wrap up Pending Business

The 114th Congress is winding down its work and action is still pending on FY 2017 Appropriations.  The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution that lasts through Friday, December 9, 2016.  Through a CR, federal government operations are continuing at FY 2016 levels until Congressional action takes place.  With the election of President-Elect Donald Trump, reports have indicated that Congressional leaders are working towards action next week on another continuing resolution that would last into next year sometime.  The length of the CR has been a sticking point, with some interest in extending through March and other reports that it could extend until late April.  There is interest by some in a longer-term CR in order to enable the Senate to focus time right away on the confirmation process of Trump Administration appointees.  As of this writing, it was still unclear what direction Congress would take and what the prospects are for consideration next week.