Congress is wrapping up its August recess. The House is set to return on August 31 and the Senate on September 14. Before they left, the Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) (H.R. 6500) that would fund the government through December 11. The CR keeps most programs at FY 2026 levels but includes funding exceptions for certain programs. The exceptions mean that the programs will be given enough funding to ensure current program participation. These programs include:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Small Business Administration loans
- Disaster Relief Fund
- Indian Health Service
- Department of Justice
- Wildfire suppression activities
The CR also includes a temporary ban on implementing the regulation which revises guidance for federal financial assistance. The proposed rule would introduce a “merit-based” award selection and expand agency discretion in award design and termination.
The CR must now be voted on by the House before being passed to the President. If a CR is not passed by October 1, 2026, the government will shut down.
