The House Appropriations Committee has introduced the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. The proposed legislation is designed to keep federal government operations running and support a return to regular order in the appropriations process. Lawmakers are expected to consider the bill on the House floor later this week.
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) commented on the release of the bill, stating, “Keeping our government open and working for the American people is not a partisan issue – and this clean, short-term funding extension reflects that. As we continue advancing FY26 conference negotiations, this measure prevents the chaos of a shutdown and allows us to stay focused on restoring regular order. It protects the real progress already made on appropriations, preserves stability for families and communities, and strengthens our position to complete the FY26 process responsibly. Democrats now face a choice: stand with the American people – or stand apart from them. I remain firmly committed to working with President Trump, and with both chambers and sides of the aisle, to finish our fiscal duties and fulfill our Article I obligations."
According to information provided by committee staff, the measure is a straightforward continuing resolution (CR) that would extend government funding until November 21. The proposal does not include any unrelated policy provisions.
Supporters of the bill say it will prevent disruptions to national security programs as well as other vital federal services while allowing Congress to continue work on full-year spending bills for fiscal year 2026. The House has already begun conference negotiations with the Senate on several appropriations bills covering military construction and veterans affairs, agriculture, and legislative branch funding—marking what committee leaders describe as significant progress in restoring regular order in budget proceedings.
This marks the first time since fiscal year 2019 that regular appropriations bills have advanced to conference between chambers.
The White House, along with both House and Senate leadership, has expressed support for a clean short-term CR as a way to avoid a government shutdown while maintaining momentum in ongoing appropriations talks.
