On March 15, the House of Representatives passed legislation, known as a “continuing resolution” (CR), to fund the government after the current funding expires on March 18. The funding legislation cuts $6 billion in spending. The measure passed the House by a margin of 271-158 and funds government operations through April 1. The Senate is expected to pass this CR and the President is expected to sign it.
Despite bicameral and bipartisan negotiations, Republican and Democrats have been unable to reach agreement on a long-term package to fund the government through October 1, 2011 – the end of FY 2011 - thus creating the need for these short-term continuing resolutions.