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Congress is moving toward another short-term government funding measure as lawmakers work to avoid a shutdown while negotiations over Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations continue. On July 21, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9770, legislation that would extend government funding at current levels from the end of the fiscal year on September 30 through December 4. The measure received limited bipartisan support, with six Democrats joining Republicans in voting for passage.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has since released its version of a continuing resolution, which would fund the government through December 11. The Senate proposal includes several funding adjustments, or “anomalies,” requested by the administration to address specific program needs during the extension period. However, the Senate package does not include the substantial increase in defense funding sought by the administration. It also contains provisions limiting certain executive branch actions during the funding extension, including temporarily preventing the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from finalizing a proposed rule requiring senior political appointee approval of federal grants. That restriction would remain in effect only for the duration of the continuing resolution.

Additionally, the Senate measure includes language prohibiting new funding from being used for immigration enforcement activities during the temporary funding period.

Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) is expected to bring the legislation to the Senate floor for an initial procedural vote as leadership works to advance the measure before the chamber begins its August recess.

Despite Senate action, the funding bill will not take effect unless the House approves the Senate version when lawmakers return in September. With differences between the two chambers remaining unresolved, negotiations are expected to continue throughout the recess period as Congress works toward a final agreement before the September 30 funding deadline.