Key Facts
- Continuing resolutions (CRs) are temporary spending bills that allow federal government operations to continue when final appropriations have not been approved by Congress and the President.
- CRs generally continue the level of funding from the prior year’s appropriations or the previously approved CR from the current year.
- Full-year CRs provide appropriations for the remainder of the fiscal year and are functionally similar to final appropriations.
- CRs can include changes from the prior year’s budget that could alter the rate at which funds are utilized, extend an expiring program authority, or provide a specific dollar amount of funding to a program during the CR.
- Congress passes a CR when they do not reach agreement on spending levels and enact regular appropriations by the start of the federal fiscal year in October.
- CRs can result in administrative inefficiencies and limited management options for federal agencies, such as hiring and travel restrictions.
- The duration of CRs can vary, ranging from 1 to 176 days.
- In some cases, if no CR is approved, it can result in a government shutdown.
Expert Article: Continuing Resolution for 2022
I. Definition and Purpose of Continuing Resolutions (CRs)
CRs are temporary spending bills that enable federal government operations to continue when final appropriations are not approved. They maintain funding levels from the previous year or an earlier approved CR. Full-year CRs serve as final appropriations for the remaining fiscal year.
II. Changes and Modifications in CRs
CRs may include adjustments to funding rates, extensions of program authority, or specific funding allocations. They offer flexibility in spending during the interim period before final appropriations are enacted.
III. Reasons for Passing CRs
CRs are passed when Congress fails to reach an agreement on spending levels and enact regular appropriations by the start of the fiscal year. Political disagreements and budgetary complexities also contribute to the need for CRs.
IV. Consequences and Implications of CRs
CRs can lead to administrative inefficiencies and limited management options for federal agencies. Hiring and travel restrictions may be imposed, affecting agency operations and employee morale. Program implementation and service delivery can be delayed. In the absence of an approved CR, a government shutdown is possible.
V. Duration and Length of CRs
CRs can vary in length, ranging from 1 to 176 days. Short-term CRs provide a brief extension of funding while negotiations continue. Long-term CRs can cover a substantial portion of the fiscal year.
VI. Historical Context and Recent Examples
CRs have been frequently used in recent years due to political gridlock and budgetary challenges. Notable CRs in recent history have had significant impacts on government operations and public services.
VII. Conclusion
CRs serve as temporary measures to keep the government functioning in the absence of final appropriations. They have implications for federal agencies, employees, and the public. The use of CRs highlights the importance of timely budget negotiations and responsible governance.
Sources:
- https://www.gao.gov/blog/what-continuing-resolution-and-how-does-it-impact-government-operations
- https://nlihc.org/resource/congress-passes-continuing-resolution-extending-federal-government-funding-through
- https://www.crfb.org/blogs/upcoming-congressional-fiscal-policy-deadlines
FAQs
What is a continuing resolution (CR)?
A CR is a temporary spending bill that allows the federal government to continue operating when final appropriations have not been approved by Congress and the President.
Why is a CR needed?
A CR is needed when Congress and the President cannot agree on spending levels and enact regular appropriations by the start of the fiscal year.
What are the consequences of a CR?
CRs can lead to administrative inefficiencies, limited management options for federal agencies, hiring and travel restrictions, delays in program implementation and service delivery, and potential government shutdown.
How long can a CR last?
The duration of CRs can vary significantly, ranging from 1 to 176 days. Short-term CRs provide a brief extension of funding while negotiations continue, while long-term CRs can cover a substantial portion of the fiscal year.
What happens if a CR is not passed?
If a CR is not passed, the government will shut down, meaning that non-essential government services will be suspended and government employees will be furloughed.
How often are CRs used?
CRs have been used frequently in recent years due to political gridlock and budgetary challenges. There have been 47 CRs between FY 2010-2022.
What are some examples of recent CRs?
Notable CRs in recent history include the 35-day CR in 2018, the 11-day CR in 2019, and the 12-day CR in 2020.
What is the current status of the CR for 2022?
Congress passed a CR on September 30, 2022, extending federal funding through December 16, 2022.