WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday evening to fund federal government operations through December 11, 2020. The Continuing Appropriations Act avoids a government shutdown on October 1, 2020 and secures vital resources for government programs, including all existing pro-life protections, financial support for farmers, flood insurance and disaster relief, and an extension of the Pandemic EBT nutrition program for low-income families. Congressman Hal Rogers voted for the short-term legislation which also extends several health care provisions and prevents a $50 Medicare Part B premium increase. 

"As many families and businesses continue to experience the economic pains of the pandemic shutdown, this Congress must press forward to keep the federal government running," said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Speaker Pelosi tried to disrupt negotiations by removing assistance for our hard-working farmers and the Pandemic food aid program for those most in-need, but I'm grateful that we were able to find a path forward and keep those essential resources intact. While I would prefer a long-term solution, it is my hope that this bill provides additional time to address remaining funding issues after the election."

The stopgap bipartisan legislation includes additional benefits for the American people, by:

• Extending FAST Act authorizations to repair deteriorating roads and address critical transportation needs;
• Providing support for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to process essential loans;
• Making fiscal year 2021 Disaster Relief Funds available on October 1, 2020;
• Giving additional authorities to the State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to continue the secure processing of passport, visa and naturalization applications at facilities like the Kentucky Consular Center in Williamsburg; and
• Supporting federal agencies and programs that the American people rely on. 

The legislation now moves on to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

To learn more about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.