Shutdown Reaches Record Length as HUD Assures Funding Through Year-End

The government shutdown has now set a new record at 35 days, but we do see a light at the end of this tunnel to nowhere.  Moderate senators from both parties (there are still a few left) have been in discussions on and off ramp to the shutdown, and we continue to believe it will end by November 14th.  Now, there is speculation that Democrats' overwhelming victories across the country last night might change the equation in shutdown politics.  The response to the results by congressional Democrats and a meeting scheduled for today at the White House between President Trump and Senate Republicans could indicate how each side will approach negotiations to reopen the government.  That said, both sides and the public in general are tired of inaction, and we are hopeful the moderates will bring a proposal to the table to get the government working again. 

To that end, we want to make you aware of an announcement from HUD that it will continue to fund Public Housing Operating Funds and Housing Choice Vouchers through the end of December.  HUD had previously indicated that it has the resources and intends to fund Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, including HAP and administrative fees, so this announcement should put to rest concerns about funding through the end of the year.  

Assuming the government reopens sometime this month and Congress, at a minimum, passes a continuing resolution (CR) for a period to be determined, the issue of rental assistance should be addressed for the fiscal year, as both THUD budgets in the House and the Senate fund these programs. To be clear, we do not take anything for granted, especially in these times.  We note strong support for the voucher programs among appropriators, and aside from political issues involving HOME funds in the House, support for HUD funding remains consistent. 

We will keep you apprised of actions or any news regarding funding, the government shutdown, and potential hearings in the House on the HOME Reform bill as they become available.