The country is still operating under a continuing resolution (CR) which will expire April 8. The CR cuts an additional $6 billion in overall discretionary spending. This three-week spending extension permits further negotiation on a spending bill for the balance of Fiscal Year 2011.
The House passed the extension on Tuesday by a vote of 271-158, with a total of 54 Republicans voting against the CR. The Senate passed the measure Thursday by a vote of 87-13 with nine Republicans and four Democrats opposing the measure. This was an increase of "no" votes, as certain elected officials voted in protest over the short duration of the three-week extension.
As noted last week, these short extensions are having a negative impact on availability of funding for the Department of Defense.
Both the House and the Senate are in recess, returning to their states and districts for a contingency week. Next week, Congress will return for three more weeks to resolve budget differences before taking a two week recess on either side of Easter. It is hoped that the FY-2011 budget will be resolved then because in May, Congress needs to begin work on the FY-2012 budget.
The House passed the extension on Tuesday by a vote of 271-158, with a total of 54 Republicans voting against the CR. The Senate passed the measure Thursday by a vote of 87-13 with nine Republicans and four Democrats opposing the measure. This was an increase of "no" votes, as certain elected officials voted in protest over the short duration of the three-week extension.
As noted last week, these short extensions are having a negative impact on availability of funding for the Department of Defense.
Both the House and the Senate are in recess, returning to their states and districts for a contingency week. Next week, Congress will return for three more weeks to resolve budget differences before taking a two week recess on either side of Easter. It is hoped that the FY-2011 budget will be resolved then because in May, Congress needs to begin work on the FY-2012 budget.
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