The Senate recently made significant strides in preventing a partial government shutdown by advancing a series of funding bills earlier than usual. On Friday, senators successfully passed three of the twelve necessary appropriations bills, which are crucial for funding key departments including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Agriculture. This proactive approach marks a notable shift, as it reflects a rare accomplishment of passing appropriations prior to the August recess—a feat not achieved since 2018. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins celebrated this progression, emphasizing the importance of exercising the Senate’s constitutional responsibility regarding fiscal matters.
Despite the quick approval of these less contentious appropriations bills, challenges remain in the broader context of Congress’s budgetary processes this fall. Historically, disagreements between parties have hindered timely funding. Democrats view this shutdown scenario as an opportunity, especially given past conflicts regarding spending cuts influenced by former President Trump’s strategies. The recurring issue rests with Congress’s inability to pass all twelve appropriations bills on time since 1997, which has resulted in reliance on continuing resolutions (CRs) that allow for short-term government funding and prevent shutdowns.
Continuing resolutions stand as a temporary measure but come with their own complications, as they also require bipartisan support to overcome the Senate filibuster’s 60-vote threshold. The current fiscal year is functioning under a yearlong CR, and discussions have begun regarding the possibility of implementing a similar measure for Fiscal Year 2026 as well. The current legislative landscape indicates a reliance on compromise and quick resolutions to tread carefully towards a stable funding strategy.
The Senate demonstrated its commitment to fiscal responsibility when it overwhelmingly voted in favor of a two-bill minibus that funds both the VA and the Department of Agriculture with an 87-9 majority. This was followed by a robust 81-15 vote to pass a third bill that funds Congress itself. Notably, Democratic Senator Patty Murray emphasized that these smaller deals serve to counteract adverse cuts proposed by Trump and House Republicans, although this stance has garnered some pushback from progressive lawmakers who feel their priorities are being sidelined.
Moving forward, the Senate has nine more appropriations bills pending. These address agencies and departments such as Commerce, Defense, Energy, and others that are essential for the continued operation of the federal government. Around half of these bills have received committee approval, which brings them closer to a full Senate vote. The gravity of these forthcoming decisions cannot be overstated, as the success of passage relies on a delicate balance of bipartisan support.
Ultimately, the final stage of these appropriations will involve both the House of Representatives, which is currently on recess, and the necessity of presidential approval. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has attempted to make the most of the legislative calendar by negotiating deals that expedite the progress on key nominations and address the legislative backlog. Balancing these efforts alongside essential funding bills represents a critical juncture in Congress’s ongoing budgetary challenges.
