WASHINGTON — Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement to keep the U.S. government funded beyond the 2026 midterm elections, averting a potential shutdown in October.

The continuing resolution (CR) was announced on Sunday, August 3, 2026, by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Washington). The Senate plans a procedural vote to advance the legislation on Monday, August 4, aiming to pass it before the chamber's August recess.

The CR provides Congress additional time to work on bipartisan appropriations bills, which Collins described as her "strong preference for handling annual government funding." She emphasized that the stopgap bill is "straightforward," avoids "poison pills," and includes "necessary adjustments" for the SNAP and WIC food programs, disaster relief, and national security.

Murray stated that the bill addresses concerns Democrats had with the House-passed version, rejecting what she called "Trump’s frivolous war spending wish list." She noted the bill closes loopholes allowing the administration to transfer funds from existing programs to the Border Patrol, which she said "desperately needs reform, not more money." Additionally, the bill blocks a White House budget office proposal that would permit Trump officials to cancel grants at any time for any reason.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Murray's efforts, saying, "I thank Senator Murray for her tireless work on this deal and her success blocking Trump’s disgraceful efforts to further politicize all federal grants. Democrats remain committed to funding negotiations that help hardworking Americans get ahead and stymie Trump’s wasteful, corrupt agenda that has failed families."

The House of Representatives, currently in recess until early September, must also pass the CR. Following passage in both chambers, differences between the House and Senate versions will need to be reconciled.

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