Politics

House returns from recess to consider Senate-passed bill aimed at avoiding shutdown

Lawmakers face a September 30 deadline as leadership prepares a fast-track vote on a short-term spending patch.

Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 10:20 UTC1 reports

The short version

The House of Representatives is returning from a five-week recess to consider a Senate-passed short-term funding bill before current federal appropriations expire on September 30.
House Republican leaders plan to fast-track the measure, which funds the government through December 11 and requires two-thirds majority support for passage.
The swearing-in of two new Democratic members will narrow the Republican majority to a two-vote margin.

Government funding is scheduled to lapse on September 30 unless Congress passes a temporary or full-year funding bill.[CBS News]
The Senate passed a bipartisan spending measure in early August that extends government funding to December 11.[CBS News]
The Senate funding package restricts fund transfers to Border Patrol and temporarily blocks political appointees from canceling federal grants.[CBS News]
House GOP leadership intends to bring the funding measure under a procedure requiring a two-thirds majority to pass, necessitating substantial Democratic votes.[CBS News]
Following special election victories by Aisha Wahab and Everton Blair to fill vacant seats, the House Democratic caucus will reach 214 seats, narrowing the Republican majority to 219–214.[CBS News]
The House Ethics Committee recommended censuring Republican Representative Chuck Edwards over allegations of unprofessional conduct toward two female staff members, leading Edwards to withdraw his reelection bid.[CBS News]

It remains unconfirmed whether House GOP leaders will secure sufficient Democratic support to clear the two-thirds threshold for the Senate-passed funding bill.[CBS News]