Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (H.J.Res. 59) was a United States federal government measure that provided funding for government operations in fiscal year 2014. The resolution is a type of continuing resolution (CR), which is used by Congress to fund government agencies if a formal appropriations bill has not been signed into law by the end of the fiscal year. Continuing resolutions allow government operations to continue by authorizing temporary funding at levels previously established or at lower levels.

Background

In the United States, the government's fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. When Congress does not pass the regular appropriations bills before the fiscal year's start, it must pass a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown. The Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, was part of a series of temporary funding measures that aimed to avoid such a shutdown by providing interim funding.

Legislative History

The Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, was introduced in the House of Representatives as H.J.Res. 59. It was part of the legislative efforts to fund the government in the absence of a full-year appropriations act. The resolution underwent several amendments and negotiations, reflecting the contentious political environment, particularly regarding issues such as the funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and fiscal policy.

Provisions

The resolution included provisions to fund the government at then-current levels for a short period, typically a few weeks to a few months, to allow more time for the negotiation of full-year appropriations. It also included specific instructions and exceptions, such as provisions for the continuation of essential services and operations that impact public safety and national security.

Impact

The Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, played a critical role in maintaining government operations during a period of fiscal uncertainty. By providing temporary funding, it helped avert a government shutdown that could have had widespread implications for federal services and the economy. However, the reliance on continuing resolutions rather than full appropriations bills has been a subject of criticism, as it reflects the inability of Congress to complete its budgetary responsibilities in a timely manner.

See Also

• United States budget process
• Government shutdown in the United States
• Appropriations bill (United States)