With just six days left before the end of the fiscal year, the House voted 370 to 58 today to approve a Continuing Resolution (H.R. 2638) funding most of the federal government at FY08 baseline levels through March 6, 2009. The legislation also includes the FY09 Defense, Homeland Security, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs appropriations bills as well as a $22.9 billion disaster relief package. The measure is expected to be taken up by the Senate in the next day or two.

With exception of the three FY09 appropriations bills contained in the package, the legislation would maintain federal spending at the current FY08 approved funding levels. The International Affairs Budget will continue to be funded at the FY08 base spending level of $34.3 billion.  The measure also provides an additional $565 million in supplemental funding for the International Affairs Budget; $365 million for aid to Georgia, $100 million for Haiti, and $100 million for international food aid.  Passage of the Continuing Resolution all but guarantees that the remaining FY09 appropriations bills will not be considered until after a new Administration and Congress takes office in January 2009.