Congress's inability to pass a long-term spending bill has major ramifications for public health, advocates and former agency officials warn.
The short-term measures hinder efforts to play ahead and recruit staff even as they keep the government open, the advocates say. They have left public health agencies “treading water,” said Ellie Dehoney, vice president of policy and advocacy at Research!America. “It's just a state of suspended animation.”
Congress passed its fourth stopgap measure in nearly four months on Monday after a brief shutdown, and more could be on the way. The measures, known as continuing resolutions, keep government spending consistent at current levels, but leave agencies facing uncertainties over their long-term budgets.
