12/14/07: As you know, most agencies of the federal government have been running on a Continuing Resolution (CR) since September 30, 2007, the end of the fiscal year. Last night Congress passed another CR to extend agency funding through December 21, 2007. This legislation has now been sent to the President for his signature. If the President signs the CR into law before the end of the week, there will be no government shutdown before December 21st.

Since 1995 when, under House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Congress failed to pass measures funding the government and many agencies shut down, NTEU members have been very anxious as to the possibility of another shut down. NTEU is paying careful attention to this matter, and we will keep you informed of any new developments. However, it is expected the CR will be enacted.

The CR funds agencies at the FY2007 levels. This means that agency budgets may continue to be tight and management may restrict travel and other expenditures. It is possible that before December 21st, an omnibus appropriations bill will be enacted. It is not expected that each of the individual appropriations bills will come on their own to the floor of Congress.