Federal Government Funded Through December 11; Shutdown Averted

On September 1, the House of Representatives passed a temporary spending measure to fund the federal government through December 11, 2026, by a vote of 370 to 48. The Senate had already approved the measure on August 8, and President Trump signed it into law, ensuring the government remains open and operational through the end of the year.

What This Means

The continuing resolution gives Congress until early December to pass full-year appropriations for fiscal 2027. Without this stopgap measure, federal funding would have expired at the end of September, risking a government shutdown that lawmakers wanted to avoid while campaigning for the November midterm elections.

The measure also includes protections: it temporarily blocks a proposed rule that would have placed federal grant funding under political review, and it prevents the Trump administration from transferring funds from other programs to Border Patrol without congressional approval.

For foreigners and expats settling in the US, this has practical implications. Federal employees—including immigration officers, Social Security administrators, and others handling visa and residency matters—are guaranteed continued paychecks. Government services and benefit programs will continue operating without interruption. Students on F-1 and J-1 visas depend on consistent federal services, as do those applying for permanent residence or work authorization. A stable federal budget also supports housing programs, healthcare access, and other social services that newcomers may rely on as they build their lives in America.

Sources

• Federal News Network — House passes short-term funding bill to avoid a shutdown before the election
• Al Jazeera — US House passes funding bill to avert government shutdown ahead of midterms