U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of a procedural vote to advance legislation aimed at reopening the federal government. The measure, which she introduced, includes a clean continuing resolution and three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills.
The proposed continuing resolution would immediately reopen the government, extend funding through January 30th, and provide back pay to all federal workers. It does not contain any controversial policy provisions.
Included in the package are final FY 2026 appropriations for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch agencies. These bills were previously passed by the Senate with broad bipartisan support.
Senator Collins highlighted that these appropriations would ensure full-year funding for programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), and support for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In her remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Collins stated:
“Mr. President, today the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced legislation to reopen government immediately, funding vital programs, and resuming pay for federal workers, who for the last 40 days have had to live with the stress of missed paychecks and not knowing when they would be paid.
“Under our legislation, all federal employees, including members of our military and Coast Guard, Capitol Police officers, Border Patrol agents, TSA screeners, air traffic controllers – all will receive their back wages.
“It is significant that this measure also includes three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, including the annual Agriculture FDA bill; the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs legislation – very timely given that Veterans Day will soon be upon us – and the Legislative Branch funding bill.
“This three-bill package which originally passed the Senate on August 1st with overwhelming bipartisan support – 87 votes in two cases and 81 in another – will support our veterans troops farmers and rural communities. Of note this package will provide full-year funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants Children known as WIC. One of most unfortunate shameful consequences of this shutdown has been that these vital nutrition programs were in jeopardy for our most vulnerable families including 170000 Mainers who rely on SNAP program.
“Other programs will be funded through January 30th while Senate House continue work on remainder year-long appropriations bills. For example funding important programs like Head Start low-income heating assistance will now be restored.
“I look forward to voting for this legislation ending unnecessary harm security our families nation.
“We must begin act tonight. We must not delay any longer.
“Finally Mr. President I want thank many members both sides aisle Appropriations Committee Senate Leadership who have worked especially hard bring this package together. And I would be remiss if I did not also thank our staff. My staff missed entire night’s sleep get this package together get job done.
“Thank you Mr. President Again I want particularly thank members Appropriations Committee including those who serve Subcommittee Chairs: Senator Boozman Senator Hoeven Senator Mullin I want thank Senator Britt who did extraordinary amount work Lisa Murkowski Mike Rounds Jerry Moran Shelley Moore Capito Cindy Hyde-Smith Deb Fischer – there’s so many who worked so hard on this package I want thank each every one them
“Let’s get job done let’s do it fast.”
The legislation aims to restore operations after a prolonged shutdown period affecting federal employees’ paychecks as well as key public services such as nutrition assistance programs.
