Spending bills are taking longer to enact in Congress

The US Congress and president are taking increasingly longer to enact federal spending laws each year, leaving fiscal priorities in limbo for much of the year. The lengthening delays disrupt government operations and hinder their ability to plan, reallocate resources, and fulfill government agency missions. In the current fiscal year, which began October 1, political infighting has led to threats of debt ceiling breaches and government shutdowns. Some in Congress want to enact separate appropria