WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing for a vote on a stopgap funding measure to avert a potential government shutdown as lawmakers work to address fiscal deadlines, congressional aides said on Thursday.
House leadership has scheduled consideration of the continuing resolution, which would extend federal funding at current levels for a short period, according to sources familiar with the planning. The move comes amid ongoing negotiations over broader appropriations for the next fiscal year.
Details of the specific duration and provisions in the latest proposal remained under discussion as of Thursday afternoon. Previous continuing resolutions have been used multiple times in recent years to maintain government operations while full-year spending bills are finalized.
Fiscal year 2026 funding has already seen disruptions earlier in the year, including partial shutdowns related to disputes over Department of Homeland Security appropriations. Those issues were resolved through earlier stopgap measures and targeted funding bills.
The current effort focuses on preventing any lapse as Congress balances competing priorities in spending legislation. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed support for avoiding disruptions to federal services, though differences persist on policy riders and overall spending levels.
"Passing this measure will give us the time needed to complete responsible appropriations work," House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a recent statement regarding similar funding efforts.
The Senate would need to approve any House-passed stopgap before it reaches the president. Timing is critical, as funding deadlines can trigger furloughs and halted operations for non-essential government functions if not met.
Earlier in 2026, Congress passed packages including full-year bills for certain sectors alongside short-term extensions for others, such as Homeland Security, to allow further negotiations.
As of Thursday, the House Rules Committee was expected to review the measure ahead of floor action. Lawmakers from both parties have indicated that a clean continuing resolution without major policy changes is under consideration to ensure swift passage.
Federal agencies continue normal operations under existing funding authorities in the interim. Congressional leaders from both chambers reiterated their commitment to reaching an agreement that maintains government stability.
Latest updates on the vote schedule and any amendments were expected later on Thursday or Friday, aides said.
