A continuing resolution, or CR, is a stopgap measure. It keeps federal agencies and programs running when the regular appropriations bills miss the October 1 deadline. The goal is simple: avoid a shutdown. Operations continue at the previous year’s funding levels, or with minor tweaks, until full appropriations are passed.
A CR is strictly about funding. It does not authorize new programs. It does not change policy. It does not allocate money beyond the resolution’s specific duration. Congress triggers this necessity by failing to pass all 12 regular appropriations bills by October 1.
The duration is usually short-term, lasting days to weeks. Regular appropriations bills, by contrast, fund operations for the entire fiscal year.
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