Continuing Resolutions Keep Government Running

They nearly have become a sign of fall. As the leaves turn, the continuing resolutions emerge. Congress passed and the President signed the first continuing resolution at the end of September to keep government running as the fiscal year began October 1 without Presidential signatures on any of the 13 appropriations bills. The House and Senate passed H.J.Res. 65, and the President signed on September 28 the first CR making federal funds available through October 15, 2001. A second CR extended that deadline. Meanwhile, 35 percent of the projected fiscal year 2002 funding was dispersed to the courts to continue operations in the new fiscal year.

The House and Senate passed separate bills making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002. The Judiciary requested a $4.8 billion appropriation for fiscal year 2002. However, the House approved $4.6 billion for the Judiciary, and the Senate approved just $4.4 billion. In response to the September 11 terrorist attack, the Senate version now contains funds “to enhance the capability of the United States to deter, prevent, and thwart domestic and international acts of terrorism against United States nationals and interests.” It is unclear how this may affect Judiciary accounts. Both Houses agreed to a conference on the bill and have appointed members.

Redesign Makes Navigating Judiciary’s Website Easier