Will County lobbyists told the county's Legislative Committee on a federal update that Congress returned from August recess facing a September 30 deadline to pass funding for the new fiscal year and could use a continuing resolution or face a government shutdown.

The update was delivered by KP Pratt of the SmithGarrett lobbying team, who said the House and Senate have about 29–30 days to pass funding measures before the federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1. "If they don't, what's likely gonna happen is there's going to be what's called a continuing resolution, which is short term funding at the same, the same funding levels. Or if that doesn't happen, then we're gonna have a government shutdown," Pratt said.

Why it matters: a continuing resolution keeps funding at current levels and can delay programs the county watches, while a shutdown could disrupt federal grants and services local governments rely on. Pratt told the committee that recent funding increases for priorities such as border security and defense had reduced White House resistance to a short-term funding measure.

Pratt also briefed the committee on trade developments and Will County's federal priorities. She noted tariff actions affecting India and said the firm will continue sending monthly status reports tied to the county's federal agenda. "We are very cognizant of the fact that the committee wants us to provide a little more information on priorities to the county," Pratt said, and offered to work with Chief of Staff Pilkey to identify specific issues the committee wants tracked and pursued with members of Congress.

Committee members welcomed the offer. Member Julie Berkowitz asked for summaries of biweekly calls between the county executive and lobbyists so committee members could stay on the same page; Pratt and staff agreed to supply that information.

No formal votes were taken on the update. The lobbying team will continue to provide regular written updates and to meet with county staff and members of Congress or their staffs as requested by the committee.