On Monday, August 3rd, 2026, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly advanced a stopgap funding bill designed to avert a government shutdown ahead of the fall midterm elections. The chamber voted 89-4 to invoke cloture on a motion to proceed with the continuing resolution (CR), marking a significant step forward for the legislation.

The bipartisan support for the bill is notable given recent years' contentious funding battles and record government shutdowns. The legislation, backed by both Republican and Democratic leadership in the Senate Appropriations Committee, would keep government funding largely at current levels through December.

A key provision of the bill temporarily blocks the Trump administration’s proposal that would have given political appointees the final authority over scientific grant decisions. This outcome is considered a major victory for Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), who actively opposed the rule, as well as for Democrats seeking to limit the White House's influence over scientific funding.

Senate leaders aim to pass the funding bill before their month-long recess at the end of the week, which will require bipartisan cooperation to expedite the process. The House of Representatives is expected to take up the bill upon returning in September. While the House has passed three of its twelve appropriations bills, some opposition from Senate Democrats is anticipated.

Passage of this continuing resolution will provide congressional leaders additional time to negotiate funding for fiscal year 2027, a process described as challenging.

Sources

The Hill: Senate overwhelmingly advances stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing shutdown