Last Wednesday, Congress approved a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the federal government after a 43-day shutdown, the longest in history. The bill was approved after seven Senate Democrats broke with Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and voted with Republicans to allow the measure to advance to the floor for a vote. The measure, which keeps the government funded through Jan. 30, 2026, was quickly signed by President Donald Trump.

In addition to extending funding for most agencies for a little over two months, the CR included full-year appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, as well as the legislative branch. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) intends to bring the defense appropriations bill and four additional appropriations measures to the Senate floor for a vote this week.