PRFAA: Federal agencies, employees in PR have short‑term stability after Congress approves funding bill

Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli (X via PRFAA)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) in Washington announced Tuesday that Congress has approved a stopgap funding bill that will keep the federal government operating through Dec. 11, preventing a shutdown as the fiscal year draws to a close.

PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli said the House passed H.R. 6500 and sent it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved its version on Aug. 10 with a bipartisan 90-6 vote, and lawmakers have since reconciled the differences between the two measures.

Boffelli emphasized that the continuing resolution provides short‑term stability for federal agencies and employees while Congress works to finalize the 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2027. She noted that uninterrupted federal funding is essential for Puerto Rico, which relies on a wide range of federal programs and services.

She also highlighted that the measure extends the authorization of the Surface Transportation Act, which finances infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and public transit systems -- an authorization that was also set to expire on Sept. 30.

The resolution maintains fiscal year 2026 funding levels and gives Congress additional time to complete the budget process. It ensures continuity for programs such as the Nutritional Assistance Program, known as PAN in Puerto Rico, and provides flexibility for the WIC program to maintain benefits. It also supports national security priorities, strengthens disaster‑response capacity through Federal Emergency Management Agency resources under the Stafford Act, and extends operational authorizations for federal programs related to transportation, veterans’ services, cybersecurity, agriculture, housing and other essential areas. Federal grants and financial assistance provisions are likewise extended through December.

The PRFAA said the measure offers short‑term certainty for agencies and programs as Congress continues negotiations on the fiscal 2027 budget, which goes into effect Oct. 1.