Republican House members introduce a seven-week temporary budget measure; Democrats assert that this action heightens the potential for a government shutdown.
The House and Senate are currently grappling with a potential funding lapse, as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has put forward a stopgap bill to keep federal agencies open until November 21. This decision comes as both chambers have begun passing full-year funding measures for fiscal 2026, with the Senate receiving broad, bipartisan support.
The new spending bill, described as "clean" and free of "poison pills," provides extra funding and extended authorization for various programs, as well as $30 million for lawmaker security. The bill's aim is to provide adequate funding to avoid employee furloughs in federal agencies.
However, the bill has not been negotiated with Democratic colleagues, and some Democrats have expressed concern. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has stated that a clean CR that does not address the looming health care cuts "won't get our votes, plain and simple." Meanwhile, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., have criticized the move, stating it undermines ongoing bipartisan talks.
The demand of the Democrats to have Congress consider extending the Enhanced Health Care Subsidies for millions of Americans is being incorporated by a group of ten House Republicans who are leading new legislation to extend these enhanced tax credits under the Democrats' 2010 health law. Democratic leadership has demanded that any funding bill extend these enhanced health care subsidies.
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., has stated that the measure prevents a shutdown and allows for focus on restoring regular order. The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on the continuing resolution on Tuesday, with a full vote on the floor of the House expected by the end of the week.
The House is pushing to create a conference committee to hash out differences between the annual spending bills, but the Senate has yet to agree to this plan. The new bill includes funding for multiple programs to continue, ensuring federal agencies have adequate funding to avoid furloughing any employees.
House Speaker Johnson is seeking to pass a spending bill that expires before Thanksgiving to separate issues and allow time for Congress to address health care concerns. Congress could be on the brink of a funding lapse, but efforts are underway to find a solution that addresses both funding needs and health care subsidies.
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