2/22/11
House Cuts $61 Billion from Budget with Continuing Resolution
As reported in our February 17 Legislative Update, the House of Representatives continued working through the 2011 budget and preparing their proposal to significantly decrease the president’s 2011 budget submission.
On February 19, the House wrapped up many hours of debate with passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) Bill, House Resolution (HR) 1, “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act 2011,” by a vote of 235-189.
HR 1 continues the appropriation of funds to operate the federal government through Sept. 30, 2011. Among the key impacts to higher education programs, HR 1:
- reduces the maximum Pell grant by $845;
- eliminates all funding for the SEOG program; and
- reduces funding for both GEAR-UP and TRiO.
HR 1 increases funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges, and an amendment (HA 94) passed late Thursday night prohibits the use of funds for “Program Integrity: Gainful Employment – New Programs.” The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, released a statement today saying he has asked Senator Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to prepare a ‘clean’ CR to span an additional 30 days. Senator Reid believes this 30-day extension would allow time to negotiate long-term budget solutions. This clean CR version is expected to be introduced on the Senate floor next week.
We’ll continue to keep you informed about new developments regarding proposed 2011 budget cuts and the 2012 budget. Visit our Legislation Page to view new documents as they become available.
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