With the federal government’s current funding set to expire on September 30, the Senate approved a continuing resolution (CR) in August aimed at preventing a shutdown. The measure passed 90-6 and would maintain federal funding at existing levels through December 11. The House previously approved a separate CR that would extend funding through December 4 and is expected to take up the Senate measure when it returns the week of August 31.
The temporary funding measure is intended to give Congress additional time to complete the FY 2027 appropriations process, including individual agency spending bills.
HUD Funding Remains in Focus
The House Appropriations Committee has already advanced its FY 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and related agencies funding bill by a 34-27 vote. The legislation would provide $71.4 billion for HUD, representing a $5.9 billion reduction from the FY 2026 enacted level, while also establishing funding levels and directives for several key housing programs.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet released a schedule for consideration of its FY 2027 THUD bill. Further action has been delayed as lawmakers focus on the continuing resolution and scheduled congressional recess.
Housing Provisions in the Senate CR
While the CR generally maintains funding at current levels, the Senate measure includes several housing-related “anomalies,” or targeted exceptions to level funding. These provisions would:
- Extend the period in which funds for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative may be disbursed.
- Allow certain Housing Choice Voucher carryover funds to be used for voucher renewals and make related technical changes.
- Extend the availability of expiring homeless assistance grants and housing funds.
- Make technical adjustments to the Flexible Subsidy Loan Program.
The continuing resolution provides a temporary funding framework while Congress continues negotiations on the FY 2027 appropriations bills, including funding for HUD and federal housing programs.