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Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Collins (R-ME) attempted to advance four FY 2027 appropriations bills this week, even as negotiations continue to face resistance from Senate Democrats and procedural uncertainty threatens the broader funding process.  Collins has already canceled committee markups twice in recent weeks after Democrats signaled plans to offer amendments targeting the now-defunct Anti-Weaponization Fund, a proposed provision that the administration has since indicated is no longer under consideration. The disputes have underscored broader tensions surrounding the structure and content of the upcoming fiscal year spending package.

Republican leadership argues that Democratic opposition to advancing appropriations legislation reflects a broader strategy to slow or block the annual spending process, potentially setting the stage for a government funding confrontation later in the fiscal year. Republican leaders have suggested that the resistance could signal an effort to increase political leverage heading into the midterm election cycle, particularly if spending bills fail to advance through regular order.  Democrats, meanwhile, have raised concerns about policy riders and amendment limitations that they argue could affect the scope and direction of federal spending priorities.

Despite current tensions, lawmakers on both sides acknowledge that a full appropriations package remains unlikely before the end of the fiscal cycle. As a result, Congress may ultimately turn to a continuing resolution in late September to maintain government funding.

Such a measure would temporarily extend current funding levels and defer final decisions on FY 2027 appropriations, potentially pushing negotiations into late 2026 or early 2027.