Appropriations Still in Knots

Congress has completed only three of the 13 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2004, which began Oct. 1. In the meantime, several continuing resolutions -- which continue funding at last year’s levels -- have kept the government afloat.

On Oct. 30, Congress passed its second continuing resolution (CR) extending to Nov. 7 (just as the first CR was set to expire). The House appears to be considering a long-term CR through Jan. 31, but the Senate wants to complete the appropriations process by Nov. 21 when recess begins. The prospect of an omnibus bill including all appropriations not yet passed remains a strong possibility.

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