Senate Republicans are close to reaching a deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown and to curb a proposed rule from the White House budget office that would grant Trump appointees increased authority to withhold congressional appropriations. This development comes amid GOP efforts to prevent another shutdown before the upcoming election.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed hope on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, that a government funding deal would be finalized in time for the Senate to vote on it next week, prior to the chamber's five-week August recess. The continuing resolution (CR) under consideration would fund the government through early December.

Some Republican senators, including those who previously opposed cuts from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency and attempts to rescind federal appropriations, aim to use the stopgap funding bill to reassert congressional control over spending. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) is leading efforts to restrict or halt the Trump administration's rulemaking that would give political appointees final approval over grants appropriated by Congress, a move seen as diminishing lawmakers' power of the purse.

Several Democrats have indicated their desire to pass the stopgap funding before the August recess to eliminate the risk of a shutdown in the fall. However, GOP strategist and former Senate aide Brian Darling warned that if some Republicans collaborate with Democrats to insert problematic language into the bill, it could jeopardize the passage of the CR.

Additionally, some Democrats believe that if the CR passes, Senate GOP members may tacitly agree to postpone President Trump's demanded budget reconciliation package until after the election.

The Trump administration previously attempted to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid programs in late August 2025, less than 45 days before the fiscal year ended.

Sources