WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds House approval of the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) Continuing Resolution (CR), to give Congress ample time to finalize the FY18 federal appropriations bills and ensure government operations continue through January 19, 2018. The temporary funding legislation includes important provisions for critical national defense programs and extends vital funding for programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Community Health Centers and the Veterans Choice Program. The House also passed a separate measure to provide emergency disaster aid for hurricane and wildfire relief efforts.

"While CRs are never our preferred course of action, this bill is a necessary measure to continue vital government programs and services – preventing uncertainty and harm from a shutdown," said Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. "I am also pleased that this CR extends $550 million to fund Community Health Centers through March, which will ensure these essential facilities can continue providing care to underserved, rural communities while we finalize full-year appropriations and work to fully reauthorize these important programs."

Both bills now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The current CR expires on December 22, 2017.