Senate leaders reach a deal to avert a shutdown before the 2026 elections

The deal, struck by Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Patty Murray, the leaders on the Senate Appropriations Committee, would keep the government open until Dec. 11.

WASHINGTON — Senate leaders have struck a bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded past the 2026 midterm elections and avoid a politically tricky shutdown in October.

Funding currently expires at the end of Sept. 30, triggering a full government shutdown on Oct. 1 if Congress fails to act.

The continuing resolution, or “CR,” was announced Sunday by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Vice Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash. It would keep funds flowing at existing levels until Dec. 11.

The Senate is slated to hold a procedural vote to advance the legislation on Monday, with the goal of passing it this week before the chamber leaves for its August recess.

It would give time for congressional leaders to pursue a longer-term solution after the midterm elections, when the results will likely shape the direction of the next full-year funding package.