The House narrowly (212-206) passed a FY2011 appropriations bill that funds the government for the rest of the year at $1.1 trillion, essentially at the FY2010 level and $45 billion less than the president requested.  The bill, entitled the “Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011,” is much more than just a simple continuing resolution (CR).  In over 400 pages, it provides detailed instructions on the funding levels and authorities for a large number of programs.  Some programs receive additional funding to address administration and members’ priorities, while others receive less than they did in FY2010.  And, the bill approves the president’s proposal to freeze federal civilian employees pay in 2011 and 2012.   According to a summary released by the House Appropriations Committee, examples of large programs receiving more FY2011 funding than provided in FY2010 include:  nuclear weapons programs (to fund a new START treaty if approved by the Senate); VA medical operations; pay and Health requirements for DoD; Pell education grants; and Social Security and Medicare operations.  Other programs, such as the census and DoD’s base closure efforts receive less because of a lower level of activity expected in FY2011.  Also, high-speed rail funding would be $1.5 billion less than in FY2010.  Specifically for the Department of Defense, the bill funds a 1.4 percent military pay raise and allows the Secretary of Defense to request Congress to approve a transfer of funds in FY2011 for new starts, increases in production quantities, and for other requirements that did not receive FY2010 funding.  The bill also extends military personnel special pays and bonuses that would have expired.  In addition, the Navy would have the authority to buy 20 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) so it can implement the Navy’s preferred acquisition strategy.  The bill also includes $159 billion for war costs in Afghanistan and Iraq.  But, while the total DoD appropriations for FY2011 in the House bill is almost $5 billion higher than the FY2010 appropriated level in the bill, it is about $8 billion below the president’s request.  The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Dan Inouye (D-HI), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is said to be putting together an omnibus appropriations bill that details funding for all 12 appropriations.  However, it is far from certain that the Senate will pass this measure.  Senate Republicans are pushing for a CR that only extends into early next year so the new Congress can take final action.  Earmarks present another hurdle to final completion of the bill.  The House bill contains no earmarks, while the Senate bill is expected to have many earmarks.  So, with only one week left before the target adjournment date, it is still not clear how the FY2011 appropriations stalemate will end.