Speaker of the House John Boehner’s resignation late last week cleared the way for the House to pass - with the help of House Democrats - legislation to fund the federal government through December 11, 2015.  Prior to announcing his resignation, the Speaker had expressed reluctance at relying on Democrats to pass the funding measure, but is now willing to do so.  

The two and a half month continuing resolution prevents a government shutdown for now, but sets the state for a major fight in mid-December over government spending as well as federal funding over various controversial programs.