Senate Passes Initial Funding Bill Amid Future Challenges

On Friday, the Senate passed the first part of the government’s funding bill for fiscal year 2026 right before the August break. However, there’s a looming struggle ahead when Congress reconvenes in September to prevent a government shutdown.

The Chamber of Commerce endorsed three bills that equate to more than $180 billion in discretionary funding. This funding is allocated for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Bureau, the Agriculture Division, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), military construction, legislative operations, and rural development initiatives.

The bill was split into two votes. The military construction, VA, agriculture, and FDA funding received a vote of 87-9, while legislative branch funding passed with an 81-15 vote.

This vote wraps up a few days of uncertainty regarding whether the Senate would join the House of Representatives in a full month of recess.

Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), who oversees the subcommittee responsible for the VA funding bill, described this initial funding package as somewhat of a “test run.”

“It’s been a while since we passed our spending bills, and many people just kind of forgot,” he told reporters, referencing a former Congress session.

According to appropriators, this is the first time since 2018 that the Senate has passed a funding bill before the August break.

“Getting back to regular legislation is essential, and I believe that by practicing it, it will only become easier when we return,” Boozman remarked.

Last week, the senator navigated through various iterations of this first funding package, with both sides experiencing frustration over the spending levels discussed during the Trump administration.

More than half of the funds approved are designated for the annual VA and military construction bill, with a significant portion—over $153 billion—requested for fiscal year 2026. Notably, around $113 billion is aimed at VA healthcare.

The annual Agricultural Financing Plan proposes $27 billion in discretionary funding for 2026, which includes $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), about $1.7 billion for FDA funding, and around $1.1 billion for rental assistance and food safety services.

Democrats also pointed to $240 million included in the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program, directly responding to President Trump’s latest budget requests.

The Legislative Branch funding plan aims at nearly $7 billion for House and Senate operations, alongside funds for the Congressional Police, Library of Congress, and the Government Accountability Office.

In light of security concerns raised earlier this year, lawmakers have allocated $44.5 million to enhance security and member protections.

Republicans had previously criticized a bill that would allow Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) to vote on legislative branch funding separately, voicing concerns about the proposed spending levels.

“It feels inappropriate to ramp up spending while others are tightening their belts,” Kennedy stated, emphasizing the optics of increased security spending.

Meanwhile, discontent within the party grew with Senator Chris Van Hollen’s (D-Md.) opposition to the Trump administration’s plan regarding the FBI headquarters relocation. Van Hollen suggested that an amendment aimed at securing a Level 5 facility for the FBI was disregarded due to earlier disputes.

He expressed hope that the bill could be “get back on track” come September, but Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), who co-chairs the subcommittee, forecasted challenges ahead, suggesting that the focus would likely shift toward negotiating a continuing resolution to maintain government funding past the September 30 deadline.

“Once we return, my priority will be on the CR, making it likely we’ll return to last year’s funding levels,” Moran suggested. “Each time we aim to create a budget bill, it seems there’s resistance, and that complicates everything.”

Ultimately, Moran indicated that those pushing changes didn’t feel the support necessary to secure their desired outcomes.