On Capitol Hill this week, attention is turning to a continuing resolution (CR). Because Congress will not complete the appropriations process before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, a CR is necessary to prevent a government shutdown.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-Ky.) introduced a proposal last week to fund the government through Nov. 18 using the $1.043 trillion level included in the law increasing the debt limit.
The Rogers proposal would also provide $3.65 billion for disaster relief, including $1 billion for FY 2011 that is paid for with offsets. Democrats have argued that offsets should not be required for emergency funding, and the Senate last week passed a bill to fund disaster relief without offsets.
Also last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bills for Defense; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services and General Government; and the Legislative Branch.
External links:
CR Proposed by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers
Statement by House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Norm Dicks
Status of Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations
Senate Appropriations Committee
House Appropriations Committee
