AASHTO Journal, 13 September 2013
Leaders in the House this week introduced a Continuing Resolution (H.J.Res. 59) to fund the government after Sept. 30, which marks the end of the fiscal year. The CR, introduced by House Appropriations Chair Hal Rogers (R-KY), would continue to fund the government at current post-sequestration levels until Dec. 15.
“This is not the preferred way of doing the nation’s financial work—this Congress can and should be passing regular appropriations bills that reflect the country’s changing fiscal needs and realities,” Rogers said in a statement. “However, given the late date, a Continuing Resolution is necessary to stop the government-wide shut down that would halt critical government programs and services, destabilize our economy, and put the safety and well-being of our citizens at risk.”
However, several news outlets reported this week that some Republican lawmakers have proposed including language in a continuing resolution that would attempt to delay or de-fund certain portions of the federal health care law. The controversy led House Republican lawmakers to delay a vote on the CR that had been planned for this week.
Full text of the House CR is available here.