With the winner of the 2000 Presidential election still in question, Congressional leaders approved the sixteenth continuing resolution on November 13 to keep many federal agencies and programs operating through December 5. So far only 7 of the 13 regular appropriations bills have been signed into law. Programs that fall in these areas such as housing, transportation and urban parks have been funded for the full fiscal year which runs from October 1 to September 30, 2001. Partisan disagreement has prevented Congress and the President from reaching consensus on funding the other 6 appropriations bills which includes Labor/HHS/Education and Commerce/Justice/State. Both of these measures include many Conference priorities.

Also, final action on a $240 billion tax bill which includes numerous Conference priorities such as tax credits for high speed rails, new markets in distress communities, and low income housing. Although some sources are suggesting the measure is dead for this session, there still could be an effort to pass it before Congress adjourns for the year. A full report on the final appropriations and tax measure will be included in our December issue.