Status of FY 2026 Government Funding
The current government shutdown is tied to the longest prior government shutdown, which lasted from December 21, 2018, to January 25, 2019.
A possible lapse in federal food aid funding, the start of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment, and upcoming elections could encourage a deal to reopen the government. The administration claimed it cannot use emergency funds to continue SNAP payments, but this has been legally challenged. Two federal judges have issued orders: one in Rhode Island directed contingency funds be used for SNAP benefits; another in Boston required the administration to clarify plans for partial funding.
Congressional Republicans are divided: some support extending food aid through proposed bills, while Republican leaders resist targeted relief, arguing it prolongs the shutdown. Democrats maintain their position to not vote for the House CR but may reconsider if public opinion shifts or pressure over food benefits grows. Centrist Democrats have begun talks with Republicans about possible solutions.
Presidential involvement complicates the standoff, with President Trump calling for ending the filibuster, an option lacking enough Republican support. Changing Senate rules to allow simple majority passage of spending bills is also unlikely, as it would benefit Democrats in the future and does not resolve current challenges given the Republican's slim House majority.
If the Senate does negotiate an agreement to reopen the government, it might include the following provisions:
- A later end-date for the CR than what was written in the House-passed measure. If this happens, the House would have to take up and pass the new version of the CR.
- A handshake agreement to advance a minibus spending bill that includes FY 2026 appropriations for Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch, perhaps to be followed by a second minibus that pairs the Defense appropriations bill with Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS) (and also maybe Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Commerce-Justice-Science (C-J-S)).
- Commitments from Republican Senators that they will not authorize recissions of appropriated funds.
A promise to hold a vote on ACA enhanced premium tax credits at some point after the government reopens. This could include a meeting with the President before any such vote to discuss the issue. And it might involve formation of a bipartisan working group