On November 13, the House approved, 270-143, a seventh continuing resolution (H. J. Res. 124) to fund government programs at their FY2002 levels through January 11, 2003. The Senate is expected to consider the resolution next week.
Additionally, H. J. Res. 124 would extend through January 11, the programs of the 1996 welfare reform law (P.L. 104-193) that are set to expire on December 31. The extension would allow states to continue receiving federal funding at the FY2002 level for programs, including child care subsidies and cash assistance grants. The next day, the House passed another bill (H.R. 5603) that would extend the welfare programs through March 31, 2003.
To date, the appropriations bills for defense (H.R. 5010) and military construction (H.R. 5011) have been enacted. In addition, the House has approved three spending bills, while the Senate has approved one.
