Senate lawmakers release a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until October 31

Key Takeaways

On September 17, Senate lawmakers released Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026, a one-month stopgap funding bill to keep the government funded through October 31. This Continuing Resolution (CR), led by Democrats in the Senate, is proposed as an alternative to the House Republican-led CR released on September 16. 

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 Senate CR? 

The Senate CR includes extended federal funding through October 31, with additional funding for specific programs: 

• $30 million for congressional lawmaker security, and $58 million for Supreme Court and executive branch security. These are the same figures as in proposed House CR.
• Extension of Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies, which are set to expire on December 31, 2025

The CR also includes a measure to limit future recessions, the act by which Congress can roll back funds previously approved by Congress with a simple majority.   

What’s next?

Government funding will expire on September 30, and lawmakers are set to adjourn on September 26. In order for any CR to pass, it will need 60 votes in the Senate, which will require bipartisan support. 

How does this impact counties? 

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.