The U.S. Senate has approved a legislative package designed to reopen the federal government, following a period of shutdown. The measure, led by Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, passed with a 60-40 vote and is now pending consideration in the House of Representatives.
The legislation includes a continuing resolution that would immediately resume government operations and extend funding through January 30th. It also provides back pay for all federal employees affected by the shutdown. The resolution does not contain any controversial policy provisions.
In addition to temporary funding, the bill incorporates three full-year appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch appropriations. These measures ensure continued support for programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), and funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Senator Collins has consistently advocated for attaching these three appropriations bills to any agreement aimed at reopening the government since the shutdown began.
“This short-term continuing resolution would reopen government immediately, provide back pay to all federal workers, and fund important federal programs on which many Americans rely. The three full-year appropriations bills would support veterans, troops, farmers, and rural communities in Maine and across the country,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I am delighted with today's accomplishment, and I hope the House of Representatives will pass this legislation quickly so we can put an end to this unnecessary government shutdown.”
If enacted by the House of Representatives as well, these measures would restore operations across key agencies and maintain services relied upon by millions nationwide.
