What is a continuing resolution?

Why does Congress use a continuing resolution?

Appropriations laws give federal agencies authority to spend money for specific purposes. Congress normally handles annual funding through 12 regular appropriations bills. The federal fiscal year starts October 1 and ends September 30.

If lawmakers miss the deadline, a CR can keep covered programs open while they negotiate. It can cover all unfinished appropriations bills or only some of them. Agencies with funding already in place do not need the same temporary extension.

What does a continuing resolution fund?

Most short-term CRs continue existing programs at a rate based on the previous fiscal year. That rate controls spending during the covered period. It does not give agencies a full year of money to spend during a short extension.

CRs generally restrict new programs and activities. Congress can include exceptions, called anomalies, that change funding amounts or allow specific activities. A CR can also carry other policy provisions, so its details matter.

The Congressional Research Service overview of continuing resolutions explains coverage, funding rates, restrictions, and exceptions.

How long does a continuing resolution last?

There is no fixed length. A CR can last days, weeks, or months. Congress sometimes uses a full-year CR instead of regular appropriations.

A temporary CR usually ends for a covered program when its stated deadline arrives or replacement appropriations become law, whichever happens first. Different programs can have different deadlines. Congress can pass another CR, but an extension is not automatic.

For example, suppose a CR funds an agency through November 15. Without new funding, that agency faces a lapse after November 15. Another agency with full-year funding can keep operating.

What happens if funding lapses?

A funding lapse can trigger a shutdown of affected activities. Agencies generally must stop work that lacks funding unless the law allows an exception. Work to protect human life or property can continue under legal exceptions. Programs with other available funding can also continue.

A shutdown does not mean every federal service stops. Social Security benefits generally continue, though some administrative services may slow. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget shutdown guide explains how funding gaps affect services and employees.

A CR is not a budget resolution, which sets a congressional budget framework but does not itself fund agencies. A CR also does not automatically raise the debt limit. The debt limit concerns federal borrowing, not annual appropriations.

How does a continuing resolution become law?

Congress typically uses a joint resolution for a CR. The House and Senate must pass the same text. The president can sign it into law or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

The bill-to-law guide covers the full process, including what happens when the president takes no action. A House vote alone does not keep the government open. Check whether the measure became law and which programs it covers.

Follow your representatives’ funding votes

Check the vote question, not just the bill title. A vote to limit Senate debate is not final passage. Cappy Pillow reports recorded votes on major bills, not live shutdown deadlines or every procedural vote.