House passes clean Continuing Resolution to fund the government through November 21
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Eryn Hurley
Emma Conover
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Key Takeaways
On September 19, the U.S. House voted 217-212 to pass the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) to extend government funding at current levels through November 21. The Continuing Resolution (CR) bill largely maintains level funding from Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to face challenges reaching the 60-vote threshold needed to pass.
For more information on the status specific FY 2026 spending bills and county funding priorities, access NACo’s FY 2026 Appropriations Tracker.
Access the 2026 Appropriations Tracker Here
What’s in the CR?
The House passed a “clean” CR, meaning it is free from policy riders and largely maintains funding from FY 2025. The bill also includes $30 million in security assistance for congressional lawmakers, and $58 million in security assistance for the Supreme Court and executive branch.
What’s next?
Government funding will expire on September 30, and Congress is set to adjourn on September 26, leaving just days for the U.S. House and Senate to come to an agreement to enact stopgap funding ahead of a government shutdown.
How does this impact counties?
Counties rely on federal funds to provide key services to our residents. As key intergovernmental partners, we urge Congress and the administration to commit to reaching bipartisan agreements on federal appropriations each year by October 1, and to reach a long-term funding agreement for FY 2026 as soon as possible to ensure certainty for county governments.
Advocacy
Senate lawmakers release a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until October 31
On September 17, Senate lawmakers released a one-month stopgap funding bill to keep the government funded through October 31.
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