Chairman Rogers Introduces Continuing Resolution to Prevent Government Shutdown, Protect National Defense and Veterans

Press Release

House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today introduced a Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown and continue government operations until the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2013 (H.R. 933).

The legislation includes a full-year Defense Appropriations bill, as well as a full-year Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. These two individual bills passed the House last year on a broad bipartisan basis, and have been negotiated by both the House and Senate.

Except for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the CR will extend funding for other government agencies at last year's levels. However, the funding within the bill is subject to sequestration cuts. This means that the funding rate within the legislation is approximately $982 billion -- the level required by the President's sequestration order.

"The legislation will avoid a government shutdown on March 27th, prioritize DoD and Veterans programs, and allow the Pentagon some leeway to do its best with the funding it has," Chairman Rogers said.

"It is clear that this nation is facing some very hard choices, and it's up to Congress to pave the way for our financial future," Rogers said. "But right now, we must act quickly and try to make the most of a difficult situation. This bill will fund essential federal programs and services, help maintain our national security, and take a potential shutdown off the table. This CR package is the right thing to do, and it's the right time to do it," Rogers continued.

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