In Washington...To  avoid a government shutdown and give itself more time to ponder the overall FY 2018 funding levels for all discretionary programs, Congress has passed another continuing budget resolution through January 19. 

  
Generally, at the end of the year legislation, such as the continuing budget resolution, that must be passed becomes a "Christmas tree," with many unrelated provisions attached to it.  This year such items include a health insurance market stabilization package and MIPPA funding for low-income outreach and enrollment. Because the debate over tax cuts consumed so much time and effort in recently. Congress opted to pass only the continuing resolution and not add any other provisions to the legislation.

  
Since the Democrats and most Republicans want to raise the discretionary spending caps in current law, Congress is expected to override the Budget Control Act of 2011 to provide more funding for distribution. After that action is taken, it is expected that there will be another continuing resolution to provide additional time for Congress to determine specific funding levels, making it late February before the FY 2018 budget cycle is closed out.
  
Aging advocates are encouraged to urge Congress to raise the arbitrary spending caps in the Budget Control Act, to support the Older Americans Act Title III B Supportive Services increase called for in the House spending bill (a $14 million boost), and to continue funding for SHIP as provide in the Senate version (vs. the House's elimination of the program).   Please contact your legislators as soon as Congress reconvenes on January 3, 2018.