The federal government shutdown persists as the Senate failed to pass a funding deal on October 3. The attempt to approve the House-passed continuing resolution was defeated with a 54-44 vote. A separate short-term funding bill, led by Senate Democrats, also did not pass, receiving a 46-52 vote.
Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Angus King (I-Maine) sided with Republicans in support of the House bill. In contrast, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) joined most Democrats in opposition. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) were absent from the vote. A two-thirds majority is required for passage.
Further legislative efforts are anticipated in the Senate on October 6. The House-passed continuing resolution proposed extending key health programs until November 21, which expired on September 30. These include Medicare-dependent Hospital and Low-volume Adjustment programs, telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities, and provisions under the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. Additionally, it aimed to delay Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts that took effect on October 1.
The American Hospital Association will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Information from this article can be found here.
