This was a procedural vote on a resolution setting a time limit for debate and determining which amendments could be offered to legislation funding the federal government (such bills are known as “continuing resolutions, or “CRs”) through September 2011, and cutting $61 billion in federal funding for many government programs.  If passed, this particular procedural motion -- known as the “previous question" -- effectively ends debate and brings the pending legislation to an immediate vote. For example, the bill cut funding from environmental protection programs, food stamps—which provide nutritional assistance to the poor—as well as community health centers, scientific research, Pell Grants for low–income college students, the National Institutes of Health, federal aid for state law enforcement programs, and funding for state job training programs.

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) urged support for the resolution and the underlying bill: “ The American people didn't send us here to pass promises. They didn't ask us to start making tough choices next year. There is always next year, but our effort to rein in the size, scope, and cost of the federal government has got to start right now. This continuing resolution honors our commitment, starting with funding for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year….Reductions of this magnitude are really challenging but are very necessary given the fiscal situation facing the nation. Priority funding in this bill is focused on the most essential programs, such as security for the courts, counterterrorism, financial intelligence operations, as well as drug task forces.”

Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) urged opposition to the resolution and the underlying bill: “Sadly, the Republican leadership has brought to the floor a continuing resolution that jeopardizes American jobs and our economic future by rolling back investments that are necessary and important to help our private sector grow and help create jobs. This CR thoughtlessly makes extreme cuts to appease an extreme wing of the other party at the expense of the American people. This CR arbitrarily kills jobs. It would set our country back decades in scientific research simply because Republicans don't like what the science says. Worst of all, it puts our children's health at risk by handcuffing the EPA's ability to please polluters.”

The House agreed to the previous question motion by a vote of 240-179. All 238 Republicans present and 2 Democrats voted “yea.” 179 Democrats voted “nay.” As a result, the House proceeded to a final vote on a resolution setting a time limit for debate and determining which amendments could be offered to legislation funding the federal government through September 2011, and cutting $61 billion in federal funding for government programs.