How often does Congress use continuing resolutions to prevent government shutdowns?

When it comes to Congress funding the federal government each fiscal year, delay has become the new norm.

Each fiscal year since at least 1998, Congress has missed its Sept. 30 deadline, either in whole or in part, to pass legislation to fund the federal government for the following year.

Instead, Congress each year relies on CRs to keep federal programs on life support until lawmakers can agree on new funding levels.

This year has proved no different. Congress passed its most recent CR on Dec. 21 to provide funds through Jan. 19.

The chart below shows both the length of time and the number of continuing resolutions passed for each fiscal year since 1998. Over the years, Congress has passed fewer resolutions but for longer lengths of time, indicating a possible resignation to the possible permanency of CRs.

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