The House of Representatives has passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, by a vote of 222 to 209. This action follows a government shutdown that lasted 43 days.
The funding extension bill, which was previously advanced by House Republicans in September, will now be sent to President Trump for his signature. During the shutdown period, Senate Democrats voted against this measure multiple times.
In addition to the short-term funding resolution, Congress approved three full-year appropriations bills that address the Legislative Branch; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; and Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration. These bills are intended to provide stable funding for critical agencies through January 30, 2026.
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) commented on the passage: “History reminds us that shutdowns never change the outcome – only the cost paid by the American people. This Democrat-led crisis proved just that. Minority Leaders Jeffries and Schumer have inflicted real pain across the nation for weeks. And for what? The funding extension we passed today reflects our position from the start. Democrats manufactured chaos, delayed paychecks, and disrupted vital services – only to end up exactly where Republicans, President Trump, and the American people said we should be all along. Forty-three days later, they gained nothing but the damage they caused: missed paychecks, lapsed nutrition assistance, stalled programs, and shaken public trust. Today, that ends. We’re reopening government, restoring stability, and continuing the hard work of delivering full-year appropriations through a transparent, line-by-line process. I hope Democrats remember this lesson: true courage is taking responsible action for the nation even when politics makes it inconvenient.”
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter (R-TX) added: “For 43 days, Americans unnecessarily suffered because Democrats wanted to use them as leverage in a twisted political game. The legislation we passed today ends that suffering and responsibly reopens the government. It provides a runway to negotiate the other bills that need to be completed while providing year-long certainty for America’s veterans to access mental health services, medical care, and homelessness programs. I applaud Chairman Cole for his endless work to get us to this point and commitment to return to regular order. I hope as we face the January deadline, Democrats think long and hard about the impacts of their actions and instead choose to responsibly work with Republicans to tackle the remaining funding bills quickly.”
Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD) stated: “Millions of Americans have suffered unnecessarily because the Democrats refused to reopen the government – including those who depend on SNAP benefits, federal workers, border patrol agents, and our troops who were uncertain about their next paycheck. This legislation provides critical funding to support America’s farmers, ranchers,and rural communities and it ensures both USDA and FDA can safeguard our nation’s food and drug supply. Republicans have effectively locked in disciplined,f lat spending levels while supportingthe Trump Administration’s policy prioritiesand I thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Colefor his leadership throughout this process.”
Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao (R-CA) remarked: “For over 40 days,Congressional Democratshave held our country hostage,and today I was proudto vote toreopen governmentand returnto regular order.As Chairm anof th eLegislative BranchSubcommittee,I’m pleasedthatthisbillstrengthensCapitol securityby increasingfundingforswornofficersandstaff ,maintainsthe historicU.S.Capitolcomplex,and reopensour nation’sinstitutions tost udents,families,and visitorsfromacrossthenation.I wanttothankChairmanColeforhisleadershipthroughoutthisprocessandlookforwardtoworkingwithmycolleaguesintheHouseandSenatetodelivertherestofth efull-yearfundingbillsfortheAmericanpeople.”
The new short-term continuing resolution extends federal funding until January 30 without additional policy conditions or partisan demands.
John Carter has served multiple terms representing Texas’ 31st district in Congress after winning several general elections since 2012 with varying margins.