Status of FY26 Funding

The Republicans are split on how to keep the government running after September 30. Many Senate Republicans support a short-term funding bill, hoping to highlight Democratic resistance if they oppose it. However, the Senate’s bipartisan spending proposals exceed those from House Republicans and the White House, decreasing the likelihood of a House vote. Additionally, President Trump’s recent pocket recission request complicates bipartisan cooperation.

A majority of House Republicans may support a stopgap continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through mid- to late-November. House Appropriations Committee Chair Cole (R-OK) has stated that a short-term CR could be included in a minibus appropriations package, which would also contain the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch spending bills. Some Republican members have expressed interest in a long-term CR that would maintain current spending levels, citing this approach as a way to prevent potential increases found in broader appropriations agreements. If the House majority chooses to advance a spending measure without Democratic support, there is limited allowance for internal disagreement. Any bill passed along partisan lines in the House would require sufficient Democratic votes to pass in the Senate.

The White House seeks a CR to fund the government into early next year, aiming to prevent multiple shutdowns and allow time for negotiations. Last spring, Democrats conceded on FY 2025 funding but say they will not do so again. However, it's uncertain whether they are willing to risk a shutdown or unite on clear demands to resolve it.