On Oct. 15, 2019, Congress returned from a two-week recess. The federal government is currently operating on a continuing resolution passed on Sept. 27, 2019, that extended funding at fiscal 2019 levels through Nov. 21. Since Congress’ return, discussions have continued on the fiscal 2020 funding bills. Either another continuing resolution extending the funding deadline or the fiscal 2020 funding bills will need to be passed by the Nov. 21 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.