Key senators introduced a short-term spending bill on August 2, 2026, aimed at maintaining federal agency funding past the midterm elections and into early December. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill before the August recess, which many lawmakers prefer to spend campaigning rather than in Washington. The bill continues funding at current levels until December 11, 2026.
The House has already passed a similar measure, but it lacks certain exceptions requested by the White House. Notably, the bill does not include a $1 billion request for battleship construction. Additionally, it includes provisions preventing the administration from reallocating funds to the Border Patrol from other programs.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the importance of passing the measure to avoid a third government shutdown, following two previous record-breaking shutdowns in the last ten months. Both parties are motivated to prevent a shutdown before the elections, as polling suggests that neither party escaped blame for the previous shutdown.
The bill also addresses a proposed rule from the Trump administration that would require political appointees to review grant proposals based on alignment with presidential priorities. Senators Collins and Murray are advocating for changes to this rule, arguing it could politicize grants and harm various communities.
The Senate's proactive approach to funding is unusual, as Congress typically waits until the last minute to pass funding extensions. The ongoing negotiations reflect the challenges in finalizing the annual appropriations bills before the September 30 deadline.