Senate leaders reach funding deal aimed at avoiding October shutdown

Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement to keep the federal government funded beyond the 2026 midterm elections and avert a shutdown when current funding expires Sept. 30.

The continuing resolution, announced by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins and Vice Chair Patty Murray, would maintain funding at existing levels until Dec. 11. The Senate is slated to hold a procedural vote Monday, with leaders aiming to pass the measure this week before the August recess.

The bill still must pass the House, which has already left Washington until early September. House Republicans passed a separate funding bill through Dec. 4, leaving the chambers to resolve differences before the deadline.

Collins said the Senate measure avoids “poison pills” while including adjustments for food programs, disaster relief and national security programs. Murray said it improves on the House version and blocks provisions Democrats opposed involving federal grants and funding transfers.

Read the full story at NBC News.