Preventing Federal Government Shutdowns: Proposals for an Automatic Continuing Resolution

Publication Date: May 2000

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

For several decades, difficulties in enacting regular appropriations acts and continuing resolutions in a timely manner periodically have resulted in funding gaps. In 1980 and 1981, revised interpretations of the law governing agency behavior during funding gaps led to more aggressive enforcement of the law, causing the federal government to shut down affected agencies during funding gaps. In an effort to ameliorate the consequences of the tardy enactment of appropriations, some Members have proposed that an automatic continuing resolution be set in place so that funding gaps would not occur and federal government shutdowns would be prevented. Congressional interest in automatic continuing proposals was spurred by two especially troublesome funding gaps that occurred in late 1995 and early 1996. This report examines the concept of the automatic continuing resolution, outlines legislative action on such proposals in the 105th and 106th Congresses, and provides background information on the incidence of continuing resolutions and funding gaps.

This report will be updated as developments warrant. (For related information, see CRS Report 98-844: Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Effects, and Process, by Sharon S. Gressle.)