Federal Funding Deal Hangs in the Balance

December 19, 2024

Federal lawmakers are running up against a midnight deadline to fund the government, and it’s unclear if they will reach a deal to avoid a holiday shutdown. 

This morning, House Republican leaders are working on a third path to get a bill to the floor sometime today. Negotiations are ongoing between House leaders and right wing representatives who voted against a continuing resolution late yesterday. The House may vote on a smaller legislative package, which HAP believes could still include funding for key hospital priorities, but details have yet to emerge.

Late Thursday, House lawmakers rejected a proposal that would have temporarily kept the government open. The bill, which would have suspended restrictions on the national debt for two years, failed by a 174-235 vote. Earlier this week, Congress released text of a bipartisan proposal that included several key provisions for hospitals and would have funded the government through March 14. By mid-week, the deal was back to the drawing board following concerns form President-elect Trump and key advisors from his team. 

HAP is aggressively putting key hospital priorities in front of lawmakers, bringing advocates to Washington, working alongside members of Pennsylvania’s delegation, and highlighting the need to protect access to care. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Where it stands:  Following the political pushback, House Republican leaders are working on proposals to avert a government shutdown. We will provide updates as the negotiations continue to advance ahead of today's deadline. 

• Health care priorities:  The original deal, as written, prevented cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program from taking effect this year and delayed those cuts from starting until January 1, 2027. 

• It also would have extended telehealth flexibilities for two years and the Hospital-at-Home Program waiver for five years. 

• What’s next:  HAP is continuing our advocacy for key hospital priorities, including averting DSH cuts, ensuring access to care for children on Medicaid, extending telehealth flexibilities, and Hospital-at-Home program waivers. 

HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospital community have urged Congress to act before the end of this session to support quality health care for all Pennsylvanians.  See our federal advocacy priorities for the end of the year. 

For additional information and to follow the funding negotiations, contact John Myers, vice president, federal advocacy.