Congressional Continuing Resolution (CR)

The Chairman
Oct 3
2 min read

A Congressional Continuing Resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure used by the U.S. Congress to keep the federal government operating when the formal appropriations process has not been completed before the start of the new fiscal year (October 1st).

🔎 What Is a Continuing Resolution?

A Continuing Resolution allows federal agencies to maintain current levels of funding and continue operating for a set period—days, weeks, or even months—until Congress can agree on and pass the full set of appropriations bills (usually 12 separate bills).

Without a CR or new appropriations, the government would face a shutdown due to lack of legal authority to spend money.

📜 Constitutional & Legal Basis

U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 9): “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.”
The Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits government agencies from spending money that hasn’t been appropriated by Congress.

📅 When Is a CR Used?

Typically enacted in late September, when Congress has not passed all 12 annual spending bills.
Can also be used mid-year if funding deadlines were set earlier, or to cover emergency situations.

⚙️ How a CR Works

Maintains Prior-Year Funding Levels: Agencies generally receive funding at the same rate as the previous fiscal year.
Restricts New Projects: Unless explicitly authorized, new programs or projects can't begin.
Can Include “Anomalies”: These are exceptions allowing funding increases, decreases, or new spending within the CR.

🧭 Why Are CRs Used?

Political Gridlock: When Congress can’t agree on full-year spending bills.
Avoid Government Shutdowns: Keeps critical operations like Social Security, military pay, and air traffic control going.
Buys Time: CRs act as a stopgap while negotiations continue.

🛑 Drawbacks of CRs

Uncertainty for Agencies: Makes long-term planning difficult.
No Adjustments for Inflation: Agencies operate under outdated budgets.
Hurts Efficiency: Repeated short-term CRs reduce hiring, training, and capital investments.

📉 Example: FY2024 Crisis

In late 2023 and early 2024, partisan disputes over defense vs. non-defense spending, border security, and Ukraine funding led to multiple CRs. Congress avoided a shutdown by passing short-term CRs, each extending the deadline by weeks.

🗳️ Political Context

CRs often become bargaining tools between political parties.
They are used to buy time, but repeated CRs reflect deep dysfunction in the budgeting process.
Presidents can sign or veto CRs. A veto without an alternative agreement can trigger a shutdown.

✅ Summary

Term	Explanation
Continuing Resolution (CR)	A temporary law that keeps federal government agencies funded at existing levels when Congress has not passed regular appropriations.
Used When	Congress misses the October 1 deadline for new fiscal year funding.
Purpose	Avoid government shutdowns and maintain operations.
Drawbacks	Prevents new initiatives, causes operational uncertainty, and reflects poor legislative planning.