Congress has successfully passed a short-term spending bill, ensuring the funding of key federal agencies, including immigration entities, until March 22. This strategic move aims to avert a potential U.S. government shutdown while ongoing negotiations for the fiscal year 2024 budget are underway. President Biden is anticipated to endorse the bill, maintaining the continuity of essential government functions.
The recently approved continuing resolution provides temporary financial support for the federal government as negotiations on the FY 2024 budget progress. Employing a two-tiered approach, certain federal agencies, such as the Departments of Homeland Security, Labor, and State, will receive funding through March 22, 2024. This ensures uninterrupted immigration operations, dependent on congressional appropriations, until the specified date. Meanwhile, other agencies and programs will be funded through March 8.
The passage of this short-term spending measure guarantees the ongoing functionality of federal operations. While there is reported agreement among Congressional leaders regarding the FY 2024 budget, the potential for a government shutdown lingers if appropriations legislation or additional stopgap measures are not enacted before the tiered expiration dates. Employers, particularly those involved in immigration processes overseen by the Department of Labor, should monitor developments closely, as operations may be affected if further legislation is not passed by March 22.
Source: Fragomen
