The budget clock is ticking for Congress, according to U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer.

The Republican from Minnesota is the House majority whip, and in that role he will be in the center of the effort to pass a new federal budget.

During a visit to Fort Dodge Friday, he predicted that Congress will have to pass a temporary funding measure called a continuing resolution.

“I think we’re looking at a continuing resolution of some kind,” he said. “The question is how long will that continuing resolution be in place.”

The current federal fiscal year will end Sept. 30 and the new one will begin the next day.

To implement a budget, Congress is supposed to pass 12 appropriations bills by Sept. 30 and the president is supposed to sign them by Sept. 30. Emmer said the last time that happened was in the early 1990s. Ever since then, continuing resolutions have been needed every year to keep the government running.

Emmer said relying on continuing resolutions transfers power from the legislative branch to the executive branch.

“With each passing year, you make the executive branch stronger,” he said.

He said a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget would help the situation.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “It’s a great first step.”