One More CR…or Maybe Two?

 

The expiration date for the Continuing Resolution (CR) that is keeping the government up and running is rapidly approaching.  December 8th is the date by which Congress must either pass an FY 18 spending package or approve another funding extension.  If they don’t manage either scenario, the government will be forced to shut down.
Members appear to be resigned to approving another CR.  Many think that a short extension would be sufficient to finish their work and December 21st has been an often cited date.  Others would prefer to see a more extended CR into January to allow for more discussion on sticking points.  In any event, the House would have to approve a CR by early next week to give the Senate sufficient time for debate and approval before next Friday.  There is speculation that, in fact, we may see a short term CR followed by a longer term measure that puts the decision point into 2018.