9-21-12

Senate Set to Approve CR and Leave Town

The Senate is set to pass a six-month continuing resolution (CR) that will keep the government operating at FY 2012 funding levels (with increased funding for certain programs) through March 27, 2013. Once passed, the lawmakers will depart for their respective states and Congress will return the week after the November 6 election.

The CR (H. J. Res. 117) eliminates the threat of a government shutdown when FY 2012 ends on September 30^th.  Programs to receive additional funding include the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which is slated to receive $145 million to help address the growing VA claims backlog.