Legislative Update: Continuing Resolution in Senate
By Kirin Kennedy- Founder/Partner KR Public Affairs
A bipartisan agreement in the Senate led to the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) Cloture Vote by a 60-40 vote, when final passage occurs later on Monday it will effectively ending the government shutdown and temporarily funding federal operations at Fiscal Year 2025 levels through January 30, 2026.
This CR serves as a two-month stopgap measure. While the Senate has committed to holding a vote in December on a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, the current bill does not include this extension. The absence of the subsidy provision is the central issue complicating its passage in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly opposed including the ACA subsidy extension, while top Democratic leaders also object to the deal because the subsidies were omitted. The House has been called back for floor action, with a vote expected early this week.
The agreement ensures continuity of services across agriculture, public health, and national security, but sets a new funding deadline for full-year appropriations no later than January 30, 2026. The House debate is being closely monitored.
What’s in the Temporary Government Funding Bill?
(Why it matters to you)
Congress passed a temporary law (called a Continuing Resolution, or CR) to keep the government running while they work out the details for next year’s budget. Here’s what it does, in simple terms:
1. Keeps the Government Open
The bill funds government programs at current levels until January 30, 2026.
If Congress agrees on a full budget before then, that new budget will take over.
2. Protects Important Services
Food Assistance: Programs like SNAP (food stamps), WIC (nutrition for women and children), and school meals will continue through September 2026. Why it Matters: People who rely on these programs won’t lose benefits, even if there is another shutdown.
Farm Support: Farmers will continue receiving assistance and payments, and programs for crops and rural areas won’t expire.
Health Care: Community health centers, programs for doctors in training, and diabetes support will continue receiving funds. Why it Matters: Clinics remain open and health workers receive payment.
3. Protects Federal Workers
Federal employees will get paid for the time the government was shut down.
Anyone who lost their job because of the shutdown will be rehired and get backpay.
No new layoffs can happen while this temporary funding is in place.
4. Keeps Safety and Security Programs Running
Law enforcement, disaster response, cybersecurity, and airport security programs will keep operating as usual.
5. What’s Not Included
The bill does not guarantee extra help for people buying health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Congress is still debating this, and it’s a big reason why some lawmakers aren’t happy with the bill.
Bottom Line
The bill keeps the government open and protects important services and workers for now.
Congress still needs to agree on a full budget and determine how to address health insurance.
If they don’t finish by January 30, 2026, we could face another shutdown.
The Path Ahead in the House
The CR now moves to the House, where the outcome is highly uncertain. Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly stated his opposition to including the ACA subsidy extension, while top Democratic leaders oppose the deal precisely because the subsidies were omitted. The House has been called back for floor action, and we expect a vote early this week.
This agreement ensures continuity of services across agriculture, public health, and national security, but it sets up a new funding deadline for full-year appropriations no later than January 30, 2026. We are monitoring the House debate closely.
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