The federal fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. When the twelve spending bills are not law by then, Congress usually passes a continuing resolution: a stopgap that keeps programs running.
What a stopgap usually does
- Funds programs at the prior year’s rate
- Bars new programs from starting
- Runs to a set date, then needs another vote
For grant recipients, that can mean a delayed notice of funding, or a smaller first payment. Multiyear grants already awarded are usually not affected.
If your program depends on a new appropriation, tell your members’ offices now, while the final bills are still being written.