Congress Takes Step Toward Avoiding Government Shutdown
Published at(WASHINGTON) — With government funding set to expire December 11th, Congress has inched one step closer to avoiding a government shutdown with the announcement of a $1.1 trillion spending measure informally referred to as the “CRomnibus.” But the last minute measure, which came after the expected deadline, will likely force Congress to deal with the funding measure in a quick overtime scenario.
The CRomnibus is part continuing resolution, part omnibus – with 11 bills funding the government through September of 2015.
The arrangement stipulates the Department of Homeland Security will be funded with a continuing resolution at current spending levels only through Feb. 27th. This will allow for lawmakers to prolong a debate on how to deal with President Obama’s executive immigration action, which critics have called an overreach of his constitutional authority.
But just because the announcement was made doesn’t mean Congress is in the clear just yet. The spending measure must be passed by the House and Senate by midnight of Dec. 11th. With time quickly ticking away, it is very possible Congress may have to pass an additional separate short term continuing resolution to keep the government funded while the CRomnibus measure receives the necessary votes, is processed and then is sent to the White House for President Obama’s signature.
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