Shutdown stakes
When a CR lapses without replacement, the government shuts down — closing agencies and furloughing workers.
In plain English
A short-term fix to keep government open.
When Congress can't agree on a real budget in time, it passes a short-term extension — a continuing resolution — to keep the government open.
Simple example
Congress has begun nearly every fiscal year since 1997 operating under at least one continuing resolution rather than completed appropriations.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Governing on autopilot
CRs freeze spending priorities in place, preventing agencies from starting new programs or adjusting to changed needs.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
The deadline
Federal funding expires September 30. Without new appropriations or a CR, agencies must halt non-essential operations.
The extension
A CR typically continues last year's funding levels for weeks or months, sometimes with limited adjustments called anomalies.
Related guide
How does Congress fund immigration enforcement?
A look at how federal immigration agencies are funded, what the money pays for, and how Congress decides how much to spend.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should Congress significantly increase funding for immigration enforcement?
Lawmakers weigh a multibillion-dollar boost for border and interior enforcement as encounters decline and court backlogs grow.
Read the brief →You’ve learned the term. Now vote.
Should Congress significantly increase funding for immigration enforcement?
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