Senate Majority Leader John Thune Secures Bipartisan Agreement to Prevent Immediate Government Shutdown
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Republicans have secured a bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded through December 11, 2026. The continuing resolution, announced by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Vice Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., aims to avoid a primary government shutdown before the 2026 midterm elections. By passing this short-term funding extension, the administration announced a move to provide predictability and certainty for the government. The bill includes necessary adjustments for food programs, disaster relief, and national security. While House Republicans have already passed a own funding bill, the two chambers must still reconcile their differences. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., endorsed the deal as a responsible path forward. The agreement allows leaders to pursue longer-term budget negotiations after the midterms. This move prevents a potential shutdown that could have occurred on October 1, while allowing the administration to continue its legislative agenda during the rest of the year.