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Shutdown averted, lawmakers fret about next looming deadline on January 21, 2024 at 11:00 am Business News | The Hill
The latest shutdown threat may have been averted but some lawmakers are already worried about the next government funding deadline.
While leaders on both sides of the aisle were able to come to agreement earlier this month on a topline for the 12 annual government funding bills for fiscal year 2024, spending cardinals say they have yet to learn how the dollars will be divided among the measures as spending talks continue.
Without those allocations, lawmakers say they can’t begin crafting the individual bills.
In comments to reporters this week, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she’s “concerned about the lack of a resolution” on the matter of allocations for the individual bills.
“This has been dragging on for a long time and I really don’t know why,” Collins said.
Some senior appropriators say they were hopeful they would receive the allocations last week, others the week before that.
But as talks continue, so-called spending cardinals are pointing to areas like funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other nondefense programs as potential sticking points for top negotiators.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) — head of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriation subcommittee — expressed confidence earlier this week in top appropriators in either chamber striking a deal.
But he added he thinks “they’re struggling,” while noting a potential dispute “over Labor-H versus Homeland,” referring to the annual DHS and Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS) funding bills.
“Of course, none of us know whether or not the supplemental will pass and that has money for Homeland and that impacts it,” Cole said.
Senators have been negotiating a major border policy and foreign package for weeks. The plan is expected to have severe restrictions on asylum, drum up border security measures like wall construction, and include aid for Ukraine and Israel.
“If the supplemental passes, there’s a lot of money in there, and that may well impact what you would normally do for Homeland as well,” Cole said. “So, I think they’re all trying to be cautious and get there to help.”
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who heads the subcommittee that crafts DOL and HHS funding, said on Thursday that top negotiators seem to be “closing in” on a deal, but added that DHS funding “seems to be the real tension.”
Murray also said earlier in the week that she’s heard Democrats are fighting for numbers that resemble the levels of the bipartisan funding bills they marked up in the Senate “as close as possible,” noting “that there’s some resistance in the House to that.”
But she added that she doesn’t believe lawmakers “have the time to wait” until Congress tackles a supplemental bill when it comes to finalizing the subcommittee allocations, particularly if lawmakers hope to avoid passing another stopgap in the weeks ahead.
“Once you have the [allocations] it takes time to write the bills, and it’s not an easy process,” Baldwin said Wednesday, while acknowledging how far apart both chamber’s sets of funding bills are and the difficulties that await in conferencing the legislation into measures that can pass a divided Congress.
In brief comments to The Hill on Wednesday, Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who is leading negotiations with House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger (R-Texas), also said that Democrats “are waiting for the House to make a significant move” when asked for an update on negotiations over the allocations.
Thanks to a stopgap measure passed Thursday, Congress was able to punt another shutdown deadline, kicking the next target dates into March to buy time for broader spending talks.
Under the bill, Congress agreed to extend funding at temporary levels for agencies that fall under four of the 12 annual appropriations bills through March 1. That includes dollars for the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies.
The bill extends the deadline for the remaining eight bills through Mar. 8, when agencies like the departments of Defense (DOD), DOL, Education, State, Homeland Security and others face funding lapses.
Appropriators on both sides of the aisle are confident the extra time will be enough for them to finish crafting the 12 annual funding bills but acknowledge it’s a time crunch that will only get tighter the longer it takes for them to ramp up talks on their own bills.
“We don’t have a hell of a lot of time,” Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), who heads the subcommittee that oversees funding for the State Department and other agencies, said this week, noting the amount of time it can take to pass the funding bills even after negotiations are finalized.
“Just the technical aspects of it, [the Congressional Budget Office] usually takes about five days to review these bills, and then we’ve got the 72-hour thing here in the House,” he said. “And then you’ve got, for example, the readouts, so the staff has to get together and literally … read every comma, every sentence of the bill and the report.”
“We have enough time today,” he said Wednesday, but he added the cardinals need to receive their subcommittee allocations quickly to finish the work.
Senior appropriators from both chambers will also be heading into negotiations with drastically different funding bills, as the House wrote their spending bills to levels significantly lower than the budget caps agreement struck between President Biden and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
The House bills also include a list of riders in areas like abortion and diversity that Democrats have denounced as “poison pills,” while House conservatives have come out strongly against the bills crafted in the Senate that they say are too high.
Also on the minds of lawmakers is an impending April deadline for automatic cuts to defense and nondefense programs if Congress doesn’t finish its funding work on time – a penalty Republicans and Democrats alike are hoping to avoid.
“I’m worried about that,” Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), spending cardinal for Defense funding in the upper chamber, said on the matter on Thursday. “I mean, the truth is, there needs to be some urgency.”
Rafael Bernal contributed.
Senate, Business, House, News The latest shutdown threat may have been averted but some lawmakers are already worried about the next government funding deadline. While leaders on both sides of the aisle were able to come to agreement earlier this month on a topline for the 12 annual government funding bills for fiscal year 2024, spending cardinals say they have yet to learn…
At the Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal hosted by Doing Far More LLC, Roselyn Omaka of Bolanle Media sat down with Martel Matthews—CEO of Trustavio and COO/co-founder of Black Wall Street—to share a deeply personal story and transformative wisdom on planning for legacy.
Martel recounted how his journey began at just 21, when he lost his mother—and over the next decade, faced six more family deaths, with only two covered by insurance. “We had to pay for four funerals out of pocket… We didn’t have the capital,” he shared, emphasizing how the lack of preparation magnified grief and placed an unfair burden on his father and himself.
From this experience, Martel learned that pre-planning is not just prudent—it’s essential for protecting dignity and financial stability. “Death is inevitable. But leaving behind a legacy—and some finances—gives your loved ones room to breathe during their darkest days,” he explained.
He urged attendees to take concrete action: have conversations, secure insurance, and formalize estate plans. “Sit down with your family. Make sure you’re protected. Know how to access resources when life happens,” he emphasized.
By sharing his story and advice, Martel is fueling a community movement—alongside Roselyn and Mrs Donna Marshall‑Payne—to inspire Black families and entrepreneurs to transition from reactive survival to proactive legacy building.
🔗 Stay Connected & Take Action
- Follow Martel Matthews on social media: @MartelMakesChange
- Connect with Doing Far More LLC for legacy planning:
- 📞 832‑745‑1114
- ✉️ info@doingfarmore.com
- 📱 Instagram: @doingfarmorellc
- 🌐 www.doingfarmore.com
The Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal, hosted at The Grand UpperRoom in Katy, TX, was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of what it means to build and protect a legacy in Houston’s Black community. This impactful gathering was made possible entirely by Doing Far More LLC, led by the visionary Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne. Her passion and dedication brought together entrepreneurs, visionaries, and families for an afternoon focused on real strategies for generational wealth, with a special emphasis on the often-overlooked role of real estate in legacy planning.
Roselyn Omaka from Bolanle Media and Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne from Doing Far More LLC
The Meaning Behind the Movement
Legacy planning is about more than passing down money or a business. It’s about ensuring that the values, stories, and assets you’ve worked hard to build will continue to benefit your family and community for generations. As Mrs. Donna shared, “It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about how you set your loved ones up to thrive long after you’re gone.” The event created a safe, celebratory space for guests to share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, making the experience deeply meaningful for all who attended.
The Real Estate Advantage
One of the most impactful topics discussed was the role of real estate in legacy planning. Real estate is more than an investment—it’s a cornerstone of generational wealth. By securing property, families can:
- Build equity that appreciates over time
- Provide stable housing or rental income for future generations
- Avoid the pitfalls of probate and family disputes through proper titling and estate planning
- Anchor a family’s presence and influence in their community
As highlighted during the event, many families lose valuable real estate due to lack of planning, leading to unnecessary legal battles and the loss of generational wealth. Mrs. Donna and her team emphasized the importance of proactive steps—like creating wills, trusts, and clear succession plans—to ensure that homes and properties remain assets, not burdens, for those left behind.
A Conversation That Matters
A highlight of the afternoon was the video interview with Roselyn Omaka, Founder and CEO of Bolanle Media. Sitting down with Mrs. Donna, Roselyn explored the deeper significance of legacy planning and how real estate can be a game-changer for Black families and entrepreneurs. Their conversation brought to light the urgent need for education and action, inspiring attendees to think beyond immediate business success and focus on long-term impact.
A Community United by Purpose
The Spring Formal wasn’t just about information—it was about inspiration and connection. Guests shared personal stories, learned from experts like Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Marcus Bowers , CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; and Martel Matthews (Black Wall Street and Trustavio), and left with practical tools to start their own legacy planning journeys. The event’s unique “pre-planning party” atmosphere turned a traditionally somber topic into a celebration of life, family, and future possibilities.
Stay Connected
Families looking to keep up with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC can find resources, events, and one-on-one support through their website, social media, and direct contact. The movement continues, and everyone is invited to be part of a legacy that uplifts, protects, and empowers the next generation.
This entire impactful event was brought to you by Doing Far More LLC—Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne’s vision and leadership made it all possible.
Contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne & Doing Far More LLC:
- Phone: 832-745-1114
- Email: info@doingfarmore.com
- Instagram: @doingfarmorellc
- Facebook: Doing Far More LLC
- Website: www.doingfarmore.com
Let’s do far more—together!
Houston’s Black entrepreneurial community is flourishing, with Black-owned businesses now making up approximately 4.7% of all businesses in the city—one of the highest rates in Texas and well above the national average. From 2017 to 2020, the number of Black-owned businesses in Texas surged by 13.6%, generating over $141 billion in revenue and providing employment to more than 1.3 million Texans. Houston consistently ranks among the top metropolitan areas for minority-owned startups, with nearly 5,600 minority-owned startups—about 30% of all new companies—calling the city home.
Despite this impressive growth, a critical vulnerability threatens many of these businesses: over 70% of Black-owned businesses in Houston lack a formal succession or legacy plan. Without such planning, a single crisis—whether the sudden illness, incapacitation, or death of the owner—could lead to costly legal battles, business closure, or loss of generational wealth. This stark reality puts years of hard work and community progress at risk.
Compounding this issue, only 1 in 5 Black families in Houston pre-plan for funerals or final expenses, leaving families vulnerable to financial strain during already difficult times. Systemic challenges such as limited access to capital, lower rates of financial literacy, and historical barriers to wealth accumulation continue to impact the sustainability of Black-owned businesses in Houston.
Recognizing this urgent need, Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne, founder of Doing Far More LLC, is leading the charge to empower Houston’s Black entrepreneurs through the upcoming Spring Formal. This event, part of the Black Entrepreneur Tour, will be held at 23161 Morton Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 77449 and is designed to educate business owners about the critical importance of legacy and succession planning.
The Spring Formal will feature inspiring speakers such as Marcus Bowers, CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Martel Matthews (co-owner of Black Wall Street), and event sponsor YetundeO, founder and creative director of The UpperRoomEvents. Attendees will also enjoy special experiences including coverage by Flume TV and Eyeconic Television alongside Bolanle Media, a sophisticated charcuterie table by Chef Shay, and signature mimosa bar drinks crafted by La Lutte Bartending exclusively for Doing Far More.
If you’re a Black entrepreneur in Houston, this event is your opportunity to join a vital conversation that too often goes unspoken. Don’t wait until a crisis threatens your business and legacy. Secure your spot at the Spring Formal and become part of a community committed to building lasting wealth and generational success.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne directly at 832.745.1114 or email info@doingfarmore.com
Let’s ensure Houston’s Black-owned businesses not only thrive today but endure for generations to come. Join us at the Spring Formal, and let’s do far more—together.
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