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The House on Tuesday voted 370-48 to approve the Senate-passed continuing resolution (CR), clearing the way for the federal government to remain funded through December 11, 2026. Nineteen Republicans and 29 Democrats voted against the measure.

The short-term spending bill includes some, but not all, of the funding anomalies requested by the White House. It also addresses several policy matters that would otherwise face deadlines this fall. Among its provisions: 

  • the CR delays implementation of a proposed Office of Management and Budget rule that would require senior political appointees to review federal grant proposals. The rule had been scheduled to take effect in October. Its longer-term future is expected to be addressed during year-end appropriations negotiations. Democrats are expected to seek repeal of the rule, while some Republicans are likely to support retaining it; and
  • The legislation also delays implementation of a new ban on intoxicating hemp products that otherwise would have taken effect this fall. A portion of the restrictions involving certain synthetic products from China will still take effect in November. The delay was requested by the White House, although the administration has said it will not seek another extension later this year in response to opposition from some Republicans.

The CR also provides several important extensions: 

  • Major highway and infrastructure programs will continue through the duration of the legislation rather than expiring on September 30. 
  • The same is true for the Defense Production Act, which gives the federal government authority to direct industry to produce materials considered critical to national security.
  • The bill extends the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which provides legal protections for companies that share information about cyber threats with the federal government. The law otherwise would have expired September 30.
  • On international trade, the measure extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Haiti HOPE and Haiti HELP trade programs for two years, through 2028.

The December 11 expiration date now sets the stage for a broader year-end funding negotiation. Congress will need to decide whether to complete the remaining fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills, negotiate another short-term extension, or reach an agreement on a larger year-end spending package.