On September 25, Congress passed a stopgap continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded at current spending levels until December 20, avoiding the September 30 deadline that would have triggered a government shutdown.

The measure was considered a “clean CR,” meaning the legislation did not include controversial provisions or amendments that might have otherwise complicated passage.

The CR extends federal funding until December 20, giving Congress time to focus on the November elections but also establishing the need to return to Washington for a lame duck legislative session to address the new funding deadline.

The National Park Service, which administers the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) program, relies on this funding without which important preservation programs and services would come to a halt.

We are pleased to share that historic preservation efforts received an important win in the CR, which included language that provides for a two-year extension of HPF funding for State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) to complete disaster-related historic preservation projects in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as other impacted states. Had this extension of the availability of funds not been included, the allocated funding would have expired.

The Trust conveyed its support of the extension in a letter to Congressional leaders as the CR was negotiated.

As Congress navigates ongoing funding challenges over the next several months, the National Trust will keep advocates updated with opportunities to take action and engage with lawmakers.

Learn more about the many preservation-related programs that are funded through federal appropriations in our report, Select Preservation Priorities for FY 2025 Appropriations.