CR Already in the Works

Two weeks ago, Congress began working on the inevitable continuing resolution (CR) that will keep the government running past the September 30 deadline. Although there are some Democrats who do not want to move on CR, forcing a showdown with the President over a government shutdown, the only real debate is over the length of the CR. The base from which conversations are taking place is a month-long CR ending in early or mid November, though a shorter stop gap measure is being discussed.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) proposed legislation on Wednesday that would continue to fund the federal government if Congress fails to pass all of the annual appropriations bills or stop-gap spending measures before the start of a fiscal year. If enacted, the bill would fund departments and programs either at the previous fiscal year’s level or at the level of the House- or Senate-passed appropriations measures, whichever is lower. Staff members for Dave Obey (D-WI) Chairman for the Committee on Appropriations have stated that they would like to use a level funding approach in order to cause as little disruptions as possible. Hensarling, Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, said that Democrats are posturing for a government shutdown since they refused to “sit down in good faith” and negotiate with the administration on spending levels.

However, House Majority leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) has already conceded that a CR is necessary. Although some Congressional leaders want to pass a short CR in order to keep pressure on appropriators to finish fiscal year 2008 bills, Hoyer would prefer a longer measure, allowing time for a deal to be worked out instead of having to pass temporary spending bills every few weeks. Hoyer also commented that while he would rather avoid having to pass an omnibus bill containing several individual FY08 spending measures, he acknowledges that it may be the only way for Democrats to get their proposed spending levels past the White House, which has issued veto threats on 10 of the 12 spending bills.

Resources:
George Cahlink, “Hoyer: Lawmakers Eyeing Temporary CR Lasting a Month or Longer,” Congress Now, September 18, 2007.
Scott Cox, “Hensarling, DeMint Propose Automatic CR, Blast Democratic 'Games' on Spending,” Congress Now, September 19, 2007.
Author: SAS