House Passes Stopgap Bill to Prevent December Government Shutdown

The United States House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in a 220-205 vote to extend federal government funding at current levels through December 4. The stopgap measure aims to prevent a government shutdown on October 1 and avoid funding lapses before the November midterm elections. By passing the bill early, House Republicans intend to clear time before the August recess to pursue a separate $95 billion bill covering defense, farmer aid, and election overhaul provisions.

Democratic lawmakers overwhelmingly opposed the measure, with only six joining the majority. Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro and other Democratic leaders argued the bill was hastily conceived, lacked bipartisan negotiation, and failed to address the cost of living or block funding for mass deportation efforts. Pete Aguilar specifically cited drafting errors that give Customs and Border Patrol flexibility to move funds. In contrast, Speaker Mike Johnson and Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole defended the resolution as a clean measure necessary to prevent Senate Democrats from triggering a shutdown.

The legislation now moves to the United States Senate. Majority Leader John Thune plans to hold a vote before the August recess and indicated that Senator Susan Collins is working with Democrats to find a bipartisan path forward. Thune noted that if a deal is not reached, he may use the reconciliation process to pass funding on a party-line basis.