A wrap-up spending bill for FY 2015 was unveiled by House appropriators on Dec. 9. To avoid a government shutdown Congress must pass and the President sign another continuing resolution (CR) or a full year bill by Dec. 11.

The bill (HR 83) has been labeled a “cromnibus” — a CR plus omnibus — because it provides full-year support for all agencies except the Dept. of Homeland Security. That agency would get a short-term CR, allowing Republicans opposed to the President’s recent actions on immigration to look further at that issue in DHS appropriations. USDA and HUD housing programs are included in the cromnibus bill for funding through Sept. 30, 2015. The House is expected to pass the bill this week but another 2- or 3-day CR may be needed for final Senate consideration. Check the HAC web site and HAC News for more details later today.

USDA. Rejecting most of the Administration’s FY 2015 budget proposals, the bill retains funding for Section 502 direct loans, the Rural Community Development Initiative, and all other accounts; increases Section 523 self-help; and does not adopt the Administration’s request for minimum rents. The bill provides $1.089 billion for Section 521 rental assistance, prohibits renewal of RA contracts that use up their funding before their full 12-month terms, and directs USDA to report on RA implementation by June 1, 2015. The bill also continues the pilot packaging program for Section 502 direct loans.

HUD. The “crominibus” bill for 2015 appropriations makes reductions in some HUD programs and provides level funding for others. Only the Section 202 program of housing for the elderly receives an increase. CDBG, HOME, tenant- and project-based rental assistance, public housing operating and capital funds, homeless assistance grants, fair housing, and housing counseling all have mostly small reductions below FY 2014 appropriated levels. SHOP, VASH vouchers for homeless veterans, Native American housing, AIDS housing, and lead hazard control all received the same level as in 2014.