Republicans push to pass funding bill before recess

Senate Republicans Push Forward on Spending Bills to Avoid Government Shutdown

Senate Republicans are working quickly to overcome key obstacles in their effort to pass a set of spending bills before the August recess. Their goal is to make progress toward avoiding a government shutdown two months from now. The focus is on a three-bill package that would provide full-year funding for several critical federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rural development programs, military construction, and science agencies.

Both chambers of Congress have fallen behind on their funding work, and appropriators are eager to achieve some bipartisan accomplishments before the September push to prevent a shutdown when they return from recess. On Tuesday, Republicans took a major step forward by clearing two key holds on the package, which opens the way for them to proceed while waiting for input from Democrats on a potential bipartisan agreement.

Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that the committee has resolved the issues related to appropriations. She praised the “great progress” made by negotiators. One of the most significant issues addressed was a hold placed by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) over language that would have downgraded the military hospital at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri to a clinic. Hawley called the potential downgrade a “disaster” and argued it would be “stupid” given the taxpayer funds already invested in the facility.

“We need to protect it,” Hawley said, adding that the final bill will include language to safeguard the hospital and require the Army to develop a plan to replace housing at Fort Leonard Wood that needs it. He described the outcome as positive.

Another issue resolved involved a provision in the annual agricultural funding bill that aimed to close what Republicans referred to as a “hemp loophole.” This provision was pushed by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who sought to remove it after concerns about its impact on the hemp industry. Paul noted that the current law’s vagueness had led to unintended consequences, such as allowing the production of intoxicating hemp products. A spokesperson for Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) confirmed that he supports passing all the appropriations bills before the end of the fiscal year and is working with the committee on a path forward.

Despite these developments, Democrats remain cautious about how they will vote on the package if it reaches the floor. Senior appropriator Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) did not commit to a vote but pointed to unresolved issues regarding the FBI headquarters. Earlier this month, both parties clashed over the Trump administration’s plan to keep the FBI’s aging headquarters in Washington, D.C. The dispute nearly derailed the bill until Republicans agreed to support a different proposal.

Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) expressed hope that the minibus would pass, emphasizing the importance of bipartisanship. While he acknowledged that Republicans have not always acted perfectly, he said it is important to reward them when they behave responsibly.

The spending package would provide over $250 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2026. The largest portion, around $133 billion, would go to the VA and military construction, including $114 billion for VA medical care and $20 billion for the Pentagon’s military construction program. Another $80 billion would fund the DOJ, Commerce Department, and science agencies, while $27 billion would cover USDA, FDA, and rural development programs.

Republicans are eager to hold a vote on the “minibus” before leaving for the recess, especially as they continue to process a number of nominations. Some members have discussed the possibility of using recess appointments for Trump nominees, although this remains a complex issue due to the House already being in recess.

Senators like Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) believe the package is close to being ready for a vote. She expressed confidence that the minibus will be put on the docket in the next day or two. As the Senate moves forward, the focus remains on avoiding a government shutdown and ensuring continued operations for essential federal services.