Federal courts are delaying projects and expenditures to hold spending at fiscal 2004 levels because Congress has not enacted 2005 appropriations bills.(Washington Insider)(Brief Article)

Set-Aside Alert, October, 2004

Federal courts are delaying projects and expenditures to hold spending at fiscal 2004 levels because Congress has not enacted 2005 appropriations bills. Congressional Quarterly reports 42 courthouse construction projects are on hold. Federal court officials are also cutting back or delaying spending on travel, furniture, equipment and training.

Most other civilian agencies are in the same boat. They are operating under continuing resolutions because Congress has passed only four of the 13 appropriations bills for 2005. Lawmakers will return Nov. 16 for a lame-duck session.