A new fiscal 2008 continuing resolution funds most agencies through Dec. 14 at 2007 levels. But Con­gress hiked certain Dept. of Vet­erans Affairs programs, including major construction. The CR sets spending for those VA programs at the rate President Bush proposed for 2008, which lifts VA construction’s annual rate to $727 million, from $399 million in 2007. The CR is part of a 2008 defense spending bill enacted on Nov. 13.