What is a CR?
Congress’ annual objective is to complete action on all 12 appropriations bills by October 1 when the new fiscal year begins. However, due to escalating disagreements on fiscal policy, it is rare for Congress to complete action on all 12 bills by October 1. The last time was 1996. Instead, Congress often passes stop-gap measures, called “continuing resolutions,” to keep agencies operating at a particular level of funding (often the previous year’s funding level, with some adjustments) while they endeavor to complete appropriations action. Sometimes, multiple CRs are adopted before final agreement on appropriations is reached. And occasionally, political gridlock prevents adoption of a CR and the federal government shuts down. Lengthy government shutdowns occurred in 1995 and 2013; a brief shutdown occurred in 2018.
Background:
- Continuing Resolutions: Components and Recent Practices
- Implications of a Full Year Continuing Resolution
- CRs in a Nutshell (Treasury)
- Link to our explanation of Government Shutdowns
Continuing Resolutions by Fiscal Year:
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2018
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2005
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999
- Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998