Key Takeaways:

• House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans have enough votes to pass a short-term funding plan.
• The proposed continuing resolution (CR) would keep the government funded through November 21.
• The vote is scheduled for September 19, just before the September 30 fiscal deadline.
• Democrats criticize the proposal, but the White House supports it for avoiding a shutdown.

What Is a Continuing Resolution?

A continuing resolution, or CR, is a short-term plan Congress uses to keep the government running when a full budget isn’t passed on time. Without funding, many government offices could shut down. That means services like national parks, social security offices, and some public health programs might pause. Government workers might also be sent home without pay.

This year, the federal budget deadline is September 30. If nothing passes by then, the government could shut down on October 1. To avoid that, Congress is looking at a continuing resolution to give them more time to agree on a full budget.

Speaker Says GOP Has the Votes

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on September 18 that he’s confident the GOP has enough support. “I believe we have the votes to do it,” he said in a national TV interview.

The House plans to vote on the CR on September 19. This resolution would keep current funding levels in place until November 21. That gives lawmakers nearly two more months to finalize the full budget.

The short-term plan is viewed as a temporary fix—but sometimes, that’s all it takes to prevent serious problems. Without it, many Americans could feel the impact of a shutdown almost immediately. That’s why Speaker Johnson and other leaders see it as urgent.

Why the CR Is Causing Stir in Washington

Not everyone agrees with the continuing resolution. While the White House says it’s better than a shutdown, some Democrats argue the bill is too partisan.

They’re concerned that the CR doesn’t address key funding needs or restructuring efforts. Democrats also say that the Republican proposal doesn’t include support for Ukraine or new disaster relief money.

Some lawmakers argue that kicking the can down the road is not a solution. However, others think buying more time is better than a complete halt of government services.

How the Continuing Resolution Affects You

You might wonder how this political debate impacts everyday people. The truth is, a government shutdown can cause big problems quickly.

Many services that people rely on can slow down or stop:

• People expecting government checks may see delays.
• National park visits could be canceled.
• Passports and travel visas might take longer to process.
• Some food safety checks and health programs could be paused.

For federal workers, a shutdown means furloughs. These are temporary unpaid leaves that can last days—or even weeks. The longer the government stays closed, the more families across the country feel the squeeze.

The continuing resolution helps prevent these problems, but only for a short time. That’s why the full budget still matters.

What Happens After November 21?

If the continuing resolution passes, it gives lawmakers until November 21 to agree on a full budget. But if they don’t, we could be right back where we are now.

This is not the first time Congress has used a CR. In fact, it has become pretty common. Budget talks are tricky, and lawmakers often need extra weeks—or even months—to hammer out details.

Still, relying too much on continuing resolutions can also cause problems. Agencies can’t plan long-term, and programs may struggle to move forward without permanent funding.

Why Passing the CR Is a Smart First Step

Although some people don’t like the idea of temporary bills, others think it’s the most practical short-term solution.

With just days left before the fiscal year ends, passing the continuing resolution can calm markets, keep government offices open, and give lawmakers more time to finish their real work.

Speaker Johnson’s confidence in this move shows he’s pushing for stability. Even with political disagreements, keeping basic services available is a top concern for most Americans.

What’s Next in Washington?

If the House passes the continuing resolution on September 19, the bill moves to the Senate. It has to pass there as well, and get the president’s signature before midnight on September 30 to avoid a shutdown.

There’s still time, but not much. Lawmakers from both parties need to act fast.

For now, the continuing resolution remains the key tool to buy more time and keep the government running. Whether it passes or not could be one of the most important political moves this fall.

FAQs

What is a continuing resolution?

A continuing resolution, or CR, is a temporary funding plan that keeps the government running when the full budget isn’t ready. It usually keeps spending at current levels while giving lawmakers more time to agree on a long-term solution.

Why is the continuing resolution important this year?

The federal government’s current funding ends on September 30. Without a new budget or CR in place, the government would shut down starting October 1, affecting millions of people.

Does everyone in Congress support the CR?

No. While many Republicans and some Democrats support passing the CR to buy more time, others believe it doesn’t fix key issues or include necessary funding for urgent needs.

How does a government shutdown affect regular people?

A shutdown can delay government payments, pause services like passport processing, and send federal workers home without pay. It can also impact public spaces like parks and delay food or health inspections.