9/15/11: Yesterday the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY) introduced H. J. Res. 79, a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running until November 18. Because no appropriations bills have been enacted into law and the new fiscal year begins on October 1, a CR is necessary to keep the government running.

This morning the House Rules Committee met and reported a closed rule on the bill which means it cannot be amended during floor consideration. The bill is expected to be brought up on the House Floor very soon.

While Congress is working to prevent a government shutdown, which is a positive step, H.J Res. 79, funds the government at the $1.043 trillion annual level included in the debt limit agreement. This reduction from current spending levels is reflected in a 1.4 percent across-the-board cut affecting all agencies.

It is our understanding that Congress hopes to enact a final CR by September 23, and NTEU will continue to report developments as the House and Senate consider it.