Is the government shutting down tonight? Funding runs to Dec. 11

Today, September 30, is the last day of the federal government's fiscal year. In some years that date comes with a countdown to a shutdown. This year it does not.

Earlier this month, Congress passed a stopgap spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, that keeps the government funded at current levels, with a few exceptions, through December 11. NPR reported that the House approved it 370-48, a wide bipartisan margin. That means federal agencies, national parks, passport offices and other services continue operating normally when the new fiscal year begins tomorrow.

A continuing resolution buys time. It does not settle the full-year budget. Congress still has to pass the regular spending bills or another extension before the new deadline, which falls after the November midterm elections. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget keeps a public list of upcoming fiscal deadlines if you want to follow along.

If your job, business or benefits depend on federal funding, such as work as a federal contractor or employee, the December date is the one to put on your calendar. Programs like Social Security payments generally continue during a shutdown, but many other services can slow down, so it helps to know the timeline ahead of time.

For most people there is nothing to do today. Make a note of December 11, and if you have a passport application, permit or other federal paperwork you have been putting off, the next two months are a calm window to file it.