WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed a continuing resolution providing short-term appropriations for federal agencies to keep operating through December 16. It now goes to President Biden to be signed into law. Following the bill’s passage, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony issued the following statement:
“We are glad the Senate and House voted to prevent a government shutdown, which ensures the programs cities rely upon will continue to be supported.
Unfortunately, the spending package did not include funds to keep the U.S. Treasury’s help lines open for communities using the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program to rebuild and recover. Federal agencies must be able to sufficiently meet their obligation to their intergovernmental partners by answering questions and providing guidance. We urge Congress to pass the bipartisan State, Local, Tribal, And Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act (S.3011/H.R. 5735) to reopen the help lines.
We applaud Congress for including funding for disaster relief for communities responding to devastating natural disasters including Hurricanes Fiona, Ian, and others. The bill also includes critical funds to help fix the water infrastructure in Jackson, Mississippi, to bring back clean and safe water for residents.
Finally, it includes emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As we enter the fall and winter months, families in communities across the country will rely on this program to keep their heating on.”
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.