This week, the House and Senate both approved a continuing resolution (CR) to keep government programs running through December 11.  A CR was necessary to fund programs into the new fiscal year which begins October 1.  The CR funds the government at its current rate of $1.012 trillion annually.  Both legislative bodies have adjourned until after the November midterm elections.  It remains to be seen whether Congress will be able to advance a comprehensive omnibus spending package for fiscal year 2015 during the lame duck session or whether action will be punted until the new year when the 114^th Congress convenes.