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Legislators

Senate Republicans Clear Key Hurdles in Spending Bill Package Ahead of Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senate Republicans are making significant progress on a three-bill package covering full-year funding for the departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, and several other agencies, aiming to avoid a government shutdown in two months. The package, which has garnered bipartisan support, has cleared key holds, paving the way for a potential vote before the August recess. However, Democrats remain tight-lipped about their voting intentions, expressing concerns over unresolved issues, including the FBI headquarters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The three-bill package covers full-year funding for the departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Justice, the Food and Drug Administration, rural development, military construction, and science agencies, totaling over $250 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2026.
  • The package has cleared key holds, including one raised by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) regarding the military hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, which will now be protected, and another holdup related to a hemp loophole in current law, which was removed at Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky) request.
  • The largest bill in the package would provide more than $133 billion for the VA and military construction, including $114 billion for VA medical care and nearly $20 billion for the Pentagon's military construction program.
  • Republicans are optimistic about passing the package before the August recess but are waiting to see how Democrats will vote, particularly on the FDA headquarters relocation and other unresolved issues.
  • The package would provide about $80 billion for the annual bill funding the DOJ, Commerce Department, and science agencies, as well as $27 billion for a full-year funding plan for the USDA, FDA, and rural development.
  • Republicans are pushing to process noncontroversial nominations before departing for recess, but Senate Democrats have been blocking Trump nominees via unanimous consent or voice vote, limiting the options.

Sources:

  • Al Weaver and Aris Folley, "Senate Democrats still mum on spending bill support", The Hill, (no date)
  • Al Weaver and Aris Folley, "Senate Republicans clear holds on spending bill package", The Hill, (no date)
  • Senate Republicans, (no date)

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