118th Congress’ Endgame Continuing Resolution

On Friday, December 20, the continuing resolution (CR) that funds the U.S. government ends. Congress must pass either another CR or a budget by midnight on Friday to avoid a government shutdown. Last night, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) released the text of the agreed-upon CR that the House and Senate will vote on this week to fund the government until March 14, 2025.

The legislation includes a significant health care package that would extend telehealth rules in Medicare until December 31, 2026; an increase in Medicare reimbursements for providers by 2.5 percent (their cut is expected to be 2.8 percent, which may be increased further before the CR is signed into law); and language to rein in the business practices of pharmacy benefit managers. Though the legislation is expected to pass, it is receiving significant critical commentary from both the far right and far left members of Congress. The Academy will continue to monitor the CR as it moves through Congress this week.