Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a joint resolution (H.J. Res. 95) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes, and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

This continuing resolution ensures that government operations will continue to be funded through December 23. The resolution is a simple date extension that gives Congress time to prepare the consolidated appropriations bill for presentation to the President. This is a noncontroversial measure that has signoff from both sides of the aisle, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to H.J. Res. 95.

This is a 6-day continuing resolution. The House is going to come back in Monday and then papers have to get to the President. It takes time.

I ask unanimous consent the joint resolution be read three times and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements be printed in the Record.

Reserving the right to object, I yield to the chairman to explain the amendment.

I withdraw my reservation and urge a positive vote.