Senate Moves to Push Shutdown Fight Past Midterms

Congress took a step toward avoiding a fall shutdown as the U.S. Senate passed a stopgap bill that would keep the federal government funded through December 11, 2026, and punt the next funding fight until after the midterm elections.

The Senate passed the bill 90-6 amid a flurry of other legislative activity before breaking for its August recess. It’s an unusual move to address the immediate shutdown deadline this far ahead of time, rather than waiting to negotiate a deal.

Senate, House Version Differences

The bill largely funds the government at current levels but made some changes from the version that passed the House. 

For one, the Senate bill extends funding through December 11, while the House bill extends funding through December 4. 

Another difference: the Senate version includes a provision to delay implementation of an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule change that would give political appointees more power over discretionary grant funding.  

While the administration says the rule change is about accountability and ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted, opponents say it’s an effort to kill grants that don’t match the president’s priorities. 

The Senate legislation also prevents the administration from transferring money from other programs to the U.S. Border Patrol and rejects a White House request for $1 billion to begin work on a new class of battleships. 

"Importantly, we closed the loophole in House Republicans' CR that would have allowed the Trump administration to transfer funding provided for other programs to Border Patrol, which desperately needs reform, not more money,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA).

House Must Reconsider Legislation Upon Return

Once the House returns from its August recess, it must pass the Senate version. If members balk, it could once again put lawmakers in a rush to negotiate a deal before funding expires on September 30.

House Republican leaders pushed for the clean CR after recognizing that the full year funding process was not going to be completed by the September 30 deadline.

The House has passed three full-year appropriations bills and has advanced the nine remaining bills through committee. The Senate has yet to pass any.

“The September deadline isn't changing, but how Congress plans for it can. This bill takes partisan politics and posturing off the table, denying anyone the opportunity to manufacture leverage from the calendar before elections,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK).