The House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding measure on July 21, 2026, to extend federal government funding until December 4. The vote was 220-205, with six Democrats supporting the measure and one Republican opposing it. This legislation aims to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the November midterm elections and is seen as a significant achievement for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
The funding patch includes provisions for $174,000 death gratuity payments to the heirs of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. David Scott. Although government funding is not set to lapse until September 30, Congress faces a tight timeline to pass all 12 appropriations bills before the deadline, particularly as the House is scheduled to leave for a month-long recess.
Democrats opposed the measure, criticizing it for not including provisions to eliminate funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and other Democratic leaders issued a statement expressing their concerns about the resolution, arguing that it increases executive power over the federal budget and does not adequately address pressing issues.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) defended the measure, stating it is necessary to avoid a shutdown and facilitate ongoing negotiations for future funding. However, the Senate is expected to pursue its own bipartisan funding resolution, which includes requests from the White House. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated that a Senate funding patch would likely be introduced before the chamber's August recess.