Perhaps more significant for construction, the CR does not permit appropriations for any new construction starts. Jimmy Christianson, director of federal and heavy construction for AGC, says, “The bad news for infrastructure projects, as is usually the case with a CR, is that there can be no new starts” for projects that receive federal funding.

But with the CR signed, lawmakers can turn to getting back to the business of running the government. The House is expected to take up the Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate in May; that bill's passage would provide a significant amount of work for members of AGC, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and other construction firms, the groups say.

Meanwhile, the conferees named to work out a deal on the budget resolution will have their work cut out for them. ACEC's Hall says, "Honestly, it's a long shot, but we want to stay positive that both sides are at least talking and trying and [that] the people they have leading the talks [co-chairs Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)] are reasonable and certainly capable of striking a deal."