Continuing resolution definition
A continuing resolution is a stopgap bill that keeps federal programs funded when Congress hasn’t passed annual spending bills on time.
A continuing resolution (sometimes called a CR) is an act of Congress providing temporary funding that keeps federal agencies and programs operating when Congress hasn’t passed any regular appropriations bills by the start of the fiscal year (October 1).
Continuing resolutions typically continue funding the government at roughly the same levels as the prior year (or with minor adjustments) for a limited time. They’re often passed as joint resolutions.
How many continuing resolutions have there been?
Congress has only completed its annual appropriations process by October 1 three times in the last 47 years. That means at least one continuing resolution was required to prevent a government shutdown every fiscal year except 1989, 1985, and 1997.
Between fiscal years 1977 and 2025, Congress passed 207 continuing resolutions. Often, multiple CRs are required to keep the government open, and the number passed per year,varies widely; 21 CRs were implemented in FY 2001 alone.
What happens if no CR is passed?
Without the necessary appropriations bills or a CR, a funding lapse occurs. That means non-essential federal functions, as defined in the Antideficiency Act, shut down until funding is restored. Government employees might be furloughed, and non-essential operations cease.
