Senate Passes Stopgap Funding Bill

The Senate voted 90–6 just before the August recess to approve a bipartisan stopgap funding measure that would fund the federal government through Dec. 11, shifting responsibility to the House to avert a shutdown beginning Oct. 1.

The legislation would generally maintain current funding levels while providing targeted support for SNAP and WIC nutrition programs, disaster relief and national security priorities. The bipartisan agreement also includes language sought by Democrats intended to prevent the administration from withholding federal grants for political reasons.

Because the House previously approved a different short-term funding bill, it must now consider the Senate-passed measure and send final legislation to President Donald Trump by Sept. 30.

A continuing resolution is necessary because Congress is not expected to complete all 12 annual appropriations bills before the new fiscal year. Even if lawmakers avert an October shutdown, additional short-term funding measures – or a hybrid package combining full-year appropriations with temporary funding – may be needed before a broader agreement is reached.

This article was provided to OSAP by ASAE's Power of Associations and Inroads.