October 10, 2011
Previously published on October 4, 2011
This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through November 18th. With the 2012 fiscal year starting on October 1st, and the current CR expiring this week, it was necessary for Congress to sustain federal funding until all 2012 appropriations measure have passed. As you may recall, the Senate passed two CR measures last week: a short term measure that funds the government through today, and a long-term measure continuing funding through November 18th. House Republicans passed the short-term measure last week in an effort to ensure time for possible negotiations concerning FEMA funding offsets. However, FEMA released data showing an increased estimate of available funds, ensuring that disaster relief projects could continue through the 2011 fiscal year. With that information, the House took up the long-term CR measure that had previously passed in the Senate. This legislation sets government spending at $1.043 trillion, provides $2.65 billion for FEMA, and eliminates the offsets related to disaster aid. With the support of House Democrats and moderate House Republicans, the CR passed by a vote of 352-66. President Obama is expected to sign the bill before midnight tonight. The new, long-term CR expires on November 18th, and the fiscal 2012 appropriations bills are expected to pass on or before that date.
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