Congressional Update – Continuing Resolution Passes

Federal lawmakers returned from their summer recess in early September kicking off a three-week stretch in which they negotiated a federal spending deal to avoid a government shutdown on October 1.  On September 26th, President Joe Biden signed a continuing resolution (CR, H.R. 9747) after the House approved the measure the day before by a vote of 341-82 and the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 78-18.  The CR funds most federal programs and activities at the FY 24 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the bill provides additional funding for the Secret Service to carry out protective operations, including for the 2024 presidential campaign and National Special Security Events.  The CR is effective through December 20, 2024.  Congress is set to return to Capitol Hill on November 12th and will again resume negotiations on the various federal appropriations bill.

The National Council, along with 70 leading mental health and substance use care organizations sent a joint letter to appropriators urging them to prioritize funding for key programs such as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, Mental Health Awareness Training, Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, and Community Mental Health Service Block grants.