United StatesFederal agencies keep programs running as lawmakers extend key authorities
Federal agencies can keep many programs operating, while transportation programs receive prorated funding authorization and several named programs have different extension dates.
What it does
Federal agencies may keep eligible programs and services running with temporary funding, generally under fiscal year 2026 rules and limits on new projects and early spending.
Federal surface transportation programs continue through December 11, 2026, with fiscal year 2027 funding authorized based on a share of fiscal year 2026 amounts.
Named federal programs have different extension dates: some run through December 11, 2026, trade programs through 2028, and specified customs user fees through March 31, 2032.
Named veterans’ health, mental health, housing, and family support programs receive short extensions, with specific funding amounts for some services.
Argument forTemporary funding and extensions could help agencies keep services running, support transportation programs, and avoid gaps in some veterans’ services.
Argument againstAgencies could have less room to start new projects or award some grants while temporary funding limits spending and preserves Congress’s later funding choices.
More detail
Federal agencies may keep eligible projects and activities operating with temporary funding. This covers federal projects and activities funded or authorized under the listed fiscal year 2026 appropriations laws, unless this act specifically provides otherwise. Funding follows the rates, rules, and limits in the listed fiscal year 2026 appropriations laws. Agencies generally may not start projects that lacked fiscal year 2026 funding, and they must limit early funding that could restrict Congress’s later choices. Mandatory payments and Food and Nutrition Act activities continue at current-law program levels. Funding generally ends when the relevant fiscal year 2027 appropriations law takes effect, or on December 11, 2026, whichever comes first.
Federal surface transportation programs continue under existing rules, with fiscal year 2027 funding authorized in prorated amounts. This covers programs under the federal surface transportation laws listed in the act, including highway and public transit programs. Funding is based on a share of fiscal year 2026 amounts and generally follows the same distribution and use rules. Certain Highway Trust Fund amounts that would otherwise lapse may remain available through September 30, 2027; this does not cover specified highway apportionment programs. The extension period runs from October 1 through December 11, 2026. Certain eligible Highway Trust Fund amounts remain available through September 30, 2027.
The act extends named federal programs and authorities and provides specified funding for some of them. This covers the specific programs and authorities named in Division B, including grain inspection, disaster relief for the Northern Mariana Islands, trade programs, and fee authorities. The Northern Mariana Islands provision provides $21.4 million for services tied to fiscal year 2026, and that amount remains available until spent. Some trade programs are extended through 2028, and specified customs user fees through March 31, 2032; other listed programs have different end dates. The Northern Mariana Islands funding covers services from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and remains available until spent.
The act extends named veterans’ programs and provides specific short-term funding for some services. This covers veterans and their families who may be served by the specifically named Department of Veterans Affairs programs. The text provides specific amounts for some grants and services; it does not provide new funding for every listed program. The named programs include health care, mental health, housing, family support, and services for disabled veterans. Many listed authorities run through December 11, 2026. Several specified funding amounts apply from October 1 through December 11, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 2Presented to President.To President
- Sep 2Signed by President.Became Law
- Sep 2Became Public Law No: 119-103.Minor
- Sep 1Mr. Cole moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments. (consideration: CR H5377-5385)
- Vote recorded On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendments. Result: Passed.House
- Sep 1DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 6500.
- Sep 1At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Sep 1Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 - 48 (Roll no. 286). (consideration: CR H5387; text: CR H5377-5383)
- Sep 1On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 - 48 (Roll no. 286). (consideration: CR H5387; text: CR H5377-5383)
- Sep 1Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Aug 10Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Aug 8Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 90 - 6. Record Vote Number: 228.
- Vote recorded On Passage of the Bill H.R. 6500. Result: Bill Passed.Senate
- Aug 7Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4542, S4546-4547, S4553-4555)
- Aug 7Motion by Senator Thune to commit to Senate Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment SA 6740 fell when cloture on amendment SA 6732 was invoked in Senate.
- Aug 5Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S4448)
- Aug 5Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (CR S4448)Passed Senate
- Aug 5Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S4448-4449)
- Aug 5Motion by Senator Thune to commit to Senate Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment SA 6740 made in Senate.
- Aug 5Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4449)
- Aug 4Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S4415)
- Aug 3Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 89 - 4. Record Vote Number: 218. (CR S4405)
- Vote recorded On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed H.R. 6500. Result: Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to.Senate
- Aug 3Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S4414)
- Jul 30Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S4360)
- Jul 30Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4365)
- Feb 10Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 320.
- Feb 9Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- Jan 13Received in the Senate.
- Vote recorded Legislative vote recorded. Result: Passed.House
- Jan 12Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jan 12Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H637-642)
- Jan 12DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6500.
- Jan 12At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Jan 12Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H646)
- Jan 12Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 340 - 54 (Roll no. 14). (text: CR H637)Passed House
- Jan 12Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025
- Dec 30Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-416.
- Dec 30Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 362.
- Dec 10Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Dec 10Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 3.
- Dec 9Introduced in House
- Dec 9Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.Introduced
Taxes & BudgetTransportationVeterans