On the Hill · Tracker
Government Shutdown Update
A neutral, plain-facts look at the status of federal funding — what’s on the floor, the deadline in play, and what happens if Congress doesn’t act.
Last updated: (4 days ago)· funding bills and reporting re-checked hourly
The Facts
- Who
- The U.S. House, the U.S. Senate, and the President — who must agree on federal spending before appropriations expire.
- What
- A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass, and the President fails to sign, funding legislation (regular appropriations or a continuing resolution) before current funding runs out. Non-essential federal operations pause; essential workers keep working, often without pay until funding resumes.
- When
- Most recent related action: September 13, 2026. Track the current deadline in the funding bills below.
- Where
- Washington, D.C. — the House and Senate appropriations committees, both chamber floors, and the White House.
- Why
- Federal agencies can only spend money Congress has appropriated. When that authority lapses, agencies must stop non-essential spending under the Antideficiency Act. That’s a shutdown.
Funding bills we’re tracking
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027
This bill provides continuing appropriations for federal agencies and programs for fiscal year 2027. It ensures the continued operation of the federal government by extending funding at current levels for a specific period. The legislation applies to all federal departments and was introduced in the House.
Next: Referred to House committee.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
AGOA Extension Act
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Heads to the President's desk.
To amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to extend the time period for which certain regulations concerning the North Atlantic right whale are effective
The Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026 extends a federal deadline from 2028 to 2035 for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations regarding lobster and crab fishing gear. These future regulations mandate that American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries use specific technologies to prevent the endangered Atlantic large whale from becoming entangled in equipment. The bill affects commercial fishers in the Northeast and was introduced by Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY); it has passed the House of Representatives.
Next: Awaits consideration in the Senate.
AGOA Extension Act
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Heads to the President's desk.
To amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to extend the time period for which certain regulations concerning the North Atlantic right whale are effective
The Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026 extends a federal deadline from 2028 to 2035 for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations regarding lobster and crab fishing gear. These future regulations mandate that American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries use specific technologies to prevent the endangered Atlantic large whale from becoming entangled in equipment. The bill affects commercial fishers in the Northeast and was introduced by Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY); it has passed the House of Representatives.
Next: Awaits consideration in the Senate.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Awaits Senate consideration.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Awaits House floor consideration.
H.R. 6500
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Heads to the President's desk.
H.R. 6500
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Sent to the House for concurrence or to the President.
H.R. 6500
This law provides short-term funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. Introduced by Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) and now signed into law, it maintains most government spending at previous levels while increasing funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Indian Health Service. The act also extends expiring authorizations for flood insurance, veterans benefits, and trade preferences for Haiti and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, it continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.
Next: Awaits further consideration on the Senate floor.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy. It sets policy for personnel levels, weapons procurement, and research and development across all branches of the Armed Forces. The provisions apply to the entire U.S. military establishment and its contractors worldwide for the 2027 fiscal year. It passed the House after several recorded votes on various amendments.
Next: Awaits action in the Senate.
Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes
This bill provides continuing appropriations for federal agencies and programs for the beginning of fiscal year 2027 to prevent a government shutdown. It maintains funding at current levels for a specified duration until permanent appropriations bills are enacted. The measure affects all federal departments and agencies nationwide. It passed the House and moved to the Senate for immediate consideration before the end of the current fiscal year.
Next: Awaits action in the Senate.
Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes
This bill provides temporary funding for federal agencies through December 4, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins on October 1. It maintains most government spending at previous levels while providing additional funding flexibility for the Disaster Relief Fund, wildfire suppression, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The legislation also extends the National Flood Insurance Program, continues a pay freeze for members of Congress, and authorizes funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Introduced by Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), the bill has passed the House of Representatives.
Next: Heads to the Senate for consideration.
Providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770); and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 113)
This resolution establishes the procedural rules for the House of Representatives to consider five specific bills and one concurrent resolution. It sets the terms for floor debate and the amendment process for legislation including the Value Over Cost Act and the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The resolution passed the House on July 21, 2026, following a party-line vote. This procedural step allows the chamber to move forward with substantive voting on the underlying measures.
Next: The House may now proceed to debate and vote on the underlying bills specified in the resolution.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
This bill provides fiscal year 2027 funding for the Department of State, international security assistance, and various foreign operations. The legislation allocates money for the administration of foreign affairs, multilateral assistance through international financial institutions, and export-investment programs via the Export-Import Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. It also funds independent agencies like the Peace Corps and specific outreach entities such as the National Endowment for Democracy and the East-West Center. Introduced by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, the bill passed the House in July 2026.
Next: Awaits House floor consideration.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
This bill provides fiscal year 2027 funding for the Department of State, international security assistance, and various foreign operations. The legislation allocates money for the administration of foreign affairs, multilateral assistance through international financial institutions, and export-investment programs via the Export-Import Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. It also funds independent agencies like the Peace Corps and specific outreach entities such as the National Endowment for Democracy and the East-West Center. Introduced by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, the bill passed the House in July 2026.
Next: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
This bill provides fiscal year 2027 appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related national security programs. It sets spending limits for diplomatic operations, international security assistance, and humanitarian aid administered by the U.S. government globally. The funding levels would take effect at the start of the 2027 fiscal year on October 1, 2026. Introduced as a primary budget bill, it passed the House following the rejection of several proposed amendments.
Next: Awaits action in the Senate.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
This bill provides fiscal year 2027 funding for the Department of State, international security assistance, and various foreign operations. The legislation allocates money for the administration of foreign affairs, multilateral assistance through international financial institutions, and export-investment programs via the Export-Import Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. It also funds independent agencies like the Peace Corps and specific outreach entities such as the National Endowment for Democracy and the East-West Center. Introduced by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, the bill passed the House in July 2026.
Next: The bill proceeded to a final passage vote in the House.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
This bill provides fiscal year 2027 funding for the Department of State, international security assistance, and various foreign operations. The legislation allocates money for the administration of foreign affairs, multilateral assistance through international financial institutions, and export-investment programs via the Export-Import Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. It also funds independent agencies like the Peace Corps and specific outreach entities such as the National Endowment for Democracy and the East-West Center. Introduced by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, the bill passed the House in July 2026.
Next: Proceeded to a final passage vote in the House.
Latest reporting
No recent shutdown stories in the wire. Check On the Hill for the latest from Congress.
What happens in a shutdown
- Essential services continue. Air traffic control, active-duty military, Social Security payments, Medicare, and law enforcement keep operating. Many of those workers are required to work without pay until the shutdown ends.
- Non-essential operations pause. National parks, federal museums, IRS taxpayer services, most economic data releases, and routine agency work stop. Federal employees are furloughed.
- Back pay is guaranteed. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, federal workers receive back pay after a shutdown ends — but not during it.
- The ripple effect. Federal contractors, small-business loan approvals, and permitting slow or stop. States and localities that rely on federal reimbursements can feel the squeeze within days.
How Congress avoids one
- Pass the twelve regular appropriations bills — one for each area of federal spending — and get them signed by the President.
- If those aren’t ready, pass a continuing resolution (a “CR”) that keeps agencies funded at current levels for a set number of weeks or months.
- As a last resort, pass a short “laddered” or “minibus” package that bundles a subset of appropriations together.
For every recorded action on these bills — introductions, committee votes, floor votes, and signatures — see the Legislation Tracker.