H.R. 8337, titled the “Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act,” would appropriate federal government funding, at fiscal 2020 levels, from October 1, 2020, through December 11, 2020. Additionally, it increases funding levels for FEMA disaster relief, Small Business Administration loans, and multiple other programs. The bill also extends federal authorization for multiple programs including the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Senate passed H.R. 8337 on September 30, 2020 by a vote of 84 to 10 (Roll Call 197). We have assigned pluses to the nays because Congress needs to cut spending to avoid fiscal disaster. Additionally, Congress’ inability to promptly pass a 2021 budget, instead using a continuing appropriations bill, illustrates the breakdown of the federal budgeting process.