H.R. 1968 · 119th Congress · House
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
Introduced 2025-03-10 · Sponsored by Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4] (R-OK) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-03-15): Became Public Law No: 119-4.
Summary
Congress couldn't pass its normal spending bills, so this continuing resolution kept the government funded for the rest of FY2025 and prevented a shutdown when the previous stopgap expired on March 14, 2025. Most agencies got the same funding they had in FY2024, with no adjustments for inflation or changing needs. The bill also extended various federal programs and authorities that were about to expire. It's a band-aid, not a budget, but it kept things running.
The Good
Avoided a government shutdown for the remainder of FY2025
Provided continuing appropriations for federal agencies that had been operating under short-term stopgap measures. This gave agencies stable funding authority through the end of the fiscal year rather than lurching between shutdown deadlines.
Extended expiring programs and authorities
Beyond baseline funding, the act extended various federal program authorizations that would have lapsed, preventing disruptions to ongoing services and benefits that depend on annual legislative renewal.
The Bad
Continuing resolutions freeze spending at prior-year levels
Rather than appropriating money based on current needs, CRs continue the previous year's spending levels. This means agencies cannot start new programs, adjust for inflation, or respond to changed circumstances. Programs that need more funding are starved while those that need less keep getting it.
Represents a failure of the normal appropriations process
Congress is supposed to pass 12 individual appropriations bills before the fiscal year starts. Resorting to a full-year CR means none of those bills passed, indicating a breakdown in Congress's most basic legislative function.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-03-14
Passage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #133
Senate vote by state
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House, 2025-03-11
Passage (House)
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #70
House vote by state
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