reporting that the previous night the US Senate had achieved
a
60-vote
supermajority to move forward with consideration of bipartisan package
a
designed to reopen the federal government and fund federal agencies through
early 2026, specifically January. He explained this procedural vote allowed
formal debate and consideration of the bill to continue, marking a major step
toward ending the ongoing federal shutdown.
He detailed that the continuing resolution (CR) package would reopen the
federal government and fund most agencies through January 2026, providing
time for Congress to complete work on remaining spending bills not included in
the current minibus. The package would fully fund certain agencies including
USDA (responsible for SNAP benefits), military, veteran affairs, and the
legislative branch for the remainder of the fiscal year. It would reverse all federal
employee layoffs from the past 40 days, guarantee back pay for furloughed or
unpaid federal employees, and include a commitment to hold a December vote
on a Democratic proposal to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies by
one year.
Mr. Davis-Walker noted that the package included earmarks currently in play for
Lauderhill, including approximately $850,000.00 for veterans and senior home
hardening and $3.15 million for infill housing. He expressed optimism that once
debate began, the legislation would pass so the city could receive these funds,
crediting the congresswoman for her efforts.
He then outlined the procedural steps: the Senate had already passed their vote
60-40 allowing debate to begin, the House must pass an identical bill or
negotiate with the Senate, the bill would go to the President's desk for signature,
and agencies would direct OMB to begin spending funds usually within hours.
He warned that if any of these steps stalled, the shutdown would unfortunately
continue.
Mr. Davis-Walker discussed local-level considerations, noting that if the bill
didn't succeed due to policy riders or House disagreements, delays could
persist. He mentioned court cases regarding backup funding for SNAP and
executive branch decisions on contingency fund usage. He confirmed that if the
bill passed, SNAP and veteran services would be protected until January 2026,
addressing Commissioner Campbell's clarification that this was
a continuing
resolution. The major concern he highlighted was healthcare costs, noting there
was no guarantee regarding the December vote on ACA subsidies, but the CR
included an agreement to hold that vote. Without extension of subsidies, major
healthcare cost increases could occur.
He concluded by emphasizing that while the Senate's action was a major step
forward, the government remained shut until the full package passed both
chambers, and Lauderhill should remain prepared for short-term disruptions
while continuing to monitor federal partners and keep residents informed.
Mayor Grant then asked about the city's proposed actions.
City Manager Hobbs presented the city's proposed response measures, which
would require commission consensus to move forward. For water services, the
city would discontinue water disconnections and penalties for federal workers
who were past due, implementing an application process with minimal
documentation to verify federal employment. Late fees would also be waived.
