Congress passed a bill funding the government for 6 months; plans to return to Washington November 13 to begin lame duck session.

Late last week the Senate passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through March 27, 2013. The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature. This funding measure continues spending largely at 2012 levels, with an $8 billion bump allowing federal agencies a 0.6% increase. However, if sequestration goes into effect in January 2013, funding for most programs will be cut across the board by about eight percent.

Current plans call for the House and Senate to reconvene on November 13, after the presidential election, for a lame duck session, where Congress will either make crucial funding decisions affecting children, or decide on a framework for doing so in the first few months of 2013. Check back soon to see what’s happening and how you can encourage your members of Congress to step up for children!

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