Late Thursday (Jan. 18), the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Continuing Resolution (or CR) to prevent a government shutdown and extend vital programs, such as EB-5, through Feb. 16, 2018. The House approved the measure mainly on party lines by a vote of 230-197. Six Democrats voted in favor of the CR with a majority of Republicans and 11 Republicans voted against the CR.

The legislative vehicle for the CR, H.R. 195, was transmitted to the U.S. Senate where it is the pending business. The U.S. Senate must act before 11:59:59 p.m. Friday or a possible government shutdown could occur.