The Republican-led U.S. Senate recently passed a short-term funding plan to keep federal agencies running through December 11, aiming to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the November midterm elections. This measure was approved on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Earlier, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives had also passed its own short-term funding proposal. Now, both chambers need to agree on a final version so President Donald Trump can sign it into law before the current funding runs out on September 30—just five weeks before Election Day.
Democrats criticized the Senate’s plan, stating that it differs from the House’s version by stopping the Trump administration from moving money meant for border security away from other programs. The Senate proposal also includes changes to support housing and food aid programs. Additionally, it temporarily stops the White House budget office from giving political appointees control over hundreds of billions in grant funding.