WHAT HAPPENED: Lawmakers must pass a government funding bill before Dec. 11 to avoid another shutdown. Congress used a stopgap spending bill to keep federal programs running after the new fiscal year began Oct. 1. The House has passed all of its 12 bills through committees and three bills through the House floor (including Ag/FDA funding). The Senate has not passed any individual bills, but it began releasing text this week for negotiations with Republicans in the lame-duck session.
WHY IT MATTERS: Appropriations bills fund important functions at USDA and other federal agencies. Whether Congress passes an omnibus bill for full FY2027 or a short-term funding patch will affect whether the government shuts down heading into the holiday season.
WHAT’S NEXT: Congress must move by December 11 on either a full-year or short-term funding agreement.
