Update to 96 Continuing resolution from Bob Hirsch To: "E - All WRD Employees" From: rhirsch@usgs.gov (Robert Hirsch) Subject: Update on the Continuing Resolution Cc: geaton@usgs.gov, bmcgrego@usgs.gov, bjryan@usgs.gov, pleahy@usgs.gov, rwitmer@usgs.gov, wgossman@usgs.gov, lstanley@usgs.gov, "Joanne C Taylor, Secretary (Typing), Reston, VA" , "Janet N Arneson, Secretary (Typing), Reston, VA" In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 409 MEMORANDUM November 9, 1995 To: All WRD Employees From: Robert M. Hirsch Chief Hydrologist Subject: Update on the Continuing Resolution Here is the latest news on appropriations for fiscal year 1996: We still do not have an Appropriations Bill. The newly revamped conference version of the Interior Bill is held up in the House and is unlikely to move in the near future. Unresolved issues include: grazing fees, mining patent changes, BIA funding, etc., but not issues related to the USGS. A new Continuing Resolution (C.R.) is working its way through Congress that would provide funds until December 1. The President has threatened to veto the bill because of "riders" deemed unacceptable. This C.R. averages the House and Senate marks and then allows us 95% of the averaged figure, the same arrangement as the first C.R. For the bureau as a whole, this allows $92,440K in funding for the period October 1 - December 1. For WRD, our funding for the same period would be $30,735K. Note that these numbers include the money we have already spent since October 1. We have authority to handle reimbursable accounts normally; i.e., there are no restrictions related to the C.R. It is possible that we will not have a signed Appropriations Bill this year. Therefore, we need to be very careful not to exceed spending limits under the C.R's. The Congress is also working on a short-term debt limit extension that would allow the Government to operate into the month of December, but this bill is also subject to veto because of "riders." As to whether we should all show up for work on Tuesday .... We made shut-down plans when we thought we might be shut down in October, so everyone should already know what to do if we have to close our doors for a day or two. A shut-down is definitely cause for concern, because it may wreak havoc with travel plans, etc., but it is no reason to panic. Listen to the news on Monday night and Tuesday morning, read the paper ... and if you are still in doubt about whether we are open for business, come to work and we will work it out together. ************************************************************* Robert M. Hirsch Phone: 703/648-5215 Chief Hydrologist Fax: 703/648-5002 409 National Center Internet: rhirsch@usgs.gov U.S. Geological Survey Reston, VA 22092 *************************************************************