As December 20 approaches, Congress is faced with a deadline to agree on a budget or pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running. With a change in presidential leadership, it is more than likely Congress will decide on a CR. This would temporarily fund the government into early 2025.
What are continuing resolutions?
Continuing resolutions allow the federal government to continue working when final appropriations have not been approved by Congress and the President. Without a CR or final appropriations, the government shuts down. Over the past 28 years, lawmakers have passed 136 CRs. In the past, CRs have varied in length from one day to six months.
Impact on Federal Agencies?
Without funding through the regular budget process, the threat of government shutdown becomes the top priority. In a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, agency officials stated that CRs create “administrative inefficiencies, limit hiring and travel, and day-to-day focus and planning”.
What can you do?
Whether it is during the lame duck session, leading up to a CR, or after a CR is passed, the work continues. It is critical to work with your representatives and senators to discuss the importance of key programs affecting children and youth with special health care needs and their families and caregivers. Having the budget fully passed will allow for more focus on implementing the critical work of the federal agencies.
Encourage confidence to act