Congress is about one week away from a federal government shutdown, as both sides continue posturing on the federal budget. Late last week, the House Republicans passed a spending measure that would continue spending at post-sequester levels, to the tune of approximately $986 Billion. However, it included language to defund the Affordable Care Act which is a non-starter for Senate Democrats and the President. The federal fiscal year starts next Tuesday, October 1st, so the countdown is on for Congress. Some experts have suggested that the Senate will accept the reduced spending levels in order to compromise on maintaining funding for the ACA. Although, no official statements on that position have been made.

Summer Minnick is the Director of Policy Initiatives and Federal Affairs. She can be reached at 517-908-0301 or sminnick@mml.org.