Draft of continuing resolution aims to avoid government shutdown
House Democrats would fund most federal government programs at fiscal 2008 levels until March 6, unless Congress acts before that.
House Democratic leaders are looking to pass a continuing resolution that will fund the federal government until March 6, when a new president and Congress are installed rather than deal with President Bush, who has threatened to veto any appropriations bills that spend more than he has recommended.
According to a draft version of the CR, House Democrats would fund most federal government programs at fiscal 2008 levels until March 6 unless Congress acts before that. The draft also includes $5.1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
House Democratic leaders had previously discussed including the funding in an economic stimulus package valued at about $50 billion.
The package also includes $25 billion in loan guarantees for the U.S. auto industry that was authorized in legislation enacted last year.