On Dec. 18, the Senate failed to reach agreement to move forward with an initial procedural vote on a five-bill appropriations minibus, which included the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill previously approved with bipartisan support by the Appropriations Committee in July [refer to Washington Highlights, Aug. 1]. As Congress approaches a Jan. 30, 2026, deadline to avert a government shutdown, both the House and Senate are expected to take up FY 2026 spending legislation when members return from recess.
- Washington Highlights