Last week Congress passes another short term budget measure, a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund federal programs at current levels through December 11th, 2015th. This happened a few hours before a federal shutdown would have begun. It was a narrow escape, but more difficult deadlines are approaching as the House leadership situation is not making things run smoothly at the moment. US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has given November 5th as a date for when the US will not be able to pay its bills unless the debt ceiling is raised. And this week President Obama stated firmly that he will not sign another short term spending bill. Many in Washington are talking about using the debt ceiling debate as a way to work a bigger deal for the budget and/or long term federal transportation funding. However, that seems like a big ask for Congress in the next 3 weeks.

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