Funding Bill Statistics in US 2026 | Key Facts

Funding Bill in the US 2026

The funding bill landscape in the United States for 2026 represents a critical juncture in federal fiscal policy and government operations. As the nation navigates through Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, which runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, Congress has undertaken one of its most significant appropriations processes in recent history. The twelve appropriations bills that constitute the federal budget have faced unprecedented challenges, including the longest government shutdown in modern history lasting 43 days from October 1 through November 12, 2025. This prolonged funding lapse underscored the complexities of bipartisan negotiations in a divided government where Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the presidency, yet still require 60 Senate votes to pass spending legislation due to filibuster rules.

The appropriations process for FY 2026 has been marked by a deliberate return to “regular order” – a departure from the massive omnibus packages that characterized previous years. Congress has worked through individual bills covering defense, health and human services, homeland security, transportation, and other critical government functions. As of February 4, 2026, the status of these funding bills remains fluid, with six bills already enacted into law, five additional bills passed by the Senate on January 30 and awaiting House reconciliation, and the Department of Homeland Security operating under a short-term continuing resolution through February 13, 2026. The total discretionary spending under consideration exceeds $1.6 trillion, representing significant federal investments across all government operations while congressional leaders balance fiscal responsibility with national priorities.

Key Funding Bill Facts and Statistics in the US 2026

Data sources: Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Congress.gov

The funding bill statistics for 2026 reveal a complex fiscal landscape where Congress confronts historic challenges in maintaining government operations. The 43-day government shutdown that began FY 2026 stands as the longest in American history, surpassing previous records and resulting in significant disruptions to federal services. During this period, federal employees faced furloughs or worked without pay until receiving backpay following the shutdown’s resolution on November 12, 2025. The $1.9 trillion deficit projection represents continued fiscal pressure, with the United States borrowing $601 billion in just the first three months of the fiscal year – averaging approximately $7 billion per day. This aggressive borrowing rate reflects ongoing structural imbalances between federal revenues and expenditures.

Congressional arithmetic significantly shapes the appropriations process, with Republicans holding slim majorities in both chambers – 220 to 215 in the House and 53 to 47 in the Senate. However, Senate procedural rules requiring 60 votes to overcome filibusters necessitate bipartisan cooperation on all spending measures. The inclusion of $12.5 billion in emergency spending and $20.4 billion for disaster relief demonstrates Congress’s response to unforeseen national needs beyond regular appropriations. As six appropriations bills achieved enactment status by early February 2026, including Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, and Interior-Environment, the remaining bills continue working through the legislative process. The projected federal debt reaching 102 percent of GDP signals mounting long-term fiscal concerns that influence current appropriations debates and policy decisions.

Defense Appropriations Bill in the US 2026

Data sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Department of Defense Congressional Justifications

The Defense Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 provides $838.7 billion in total discretionary funding, representing one of the largest components of federal spending and reflecting continued prioritization of national security amid global challenges. This funding level includes $838.5 billion categorized as defense spending and $180 million in nondefense spending within the bill. The final negotiated amount represents an $8.4 billion increase over the Pentagon’s initial request, though Congress declined to include tens of billions in additional requests made after the original budget submission. Notably, the Department of Defense identified more than $50 billion in additional funding needs after releasing its FY 2026 request, including $26.5 billion in funding discrepancies and a substantial $28.8 billion request for multiyear munitions procurement contracts, most of which appropriators did not include in the final bill.

Within the defense budget, $193.1 billion supports military personnel pay and benefits, fully funding a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers effective January 1, 2026, plus an additional 10 percent raise for junior enlisted personnel – continuing historic increases enacted in FY 2025. Operations, weapons sustainment, training, and readiness activities receive $302.8 billion, ensuring military preparedness across all service branches. The bill authorizes significant reductions in civilian personnel, cutting approximately 45,000 full-time equivalent positions and achieving $6.5 billion in efficiency savings aligned with Workforce Acceleration and Recapitalization Initiative efforts. Counter-drug programs receive $1.15 billion, representing a $200 million increase to combat international actors facilitating drug trafficking and manufacturing. The $838.7 billion appropriations bill works in conjunction with the $900.6 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets policy and authorized spending levels, with the appropriations measure providing actual funding for Department of Defense operations throughout FY 2026.

Health and Human Services Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, National Institutes of Health, Department of Education

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill for FY 2026 represents Congress’s firm rejection of the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to health and education programs. The National Institutes of Health receives $48.7 billion, an increase of $415 million over FY 2025 levels, contrasting sharply with the President’s budget request that would have slashed NIH funding by $18 billion (a 40 percent reduction). This modest increase ensures continued support for biomedical research across all 27 NIH institutes and centers, with the National Cancer Institute receiving $7.4 billion, including $30 million specifically designated for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act to support pediatric cancer research and survivorship programs. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research programs receive $3.9 billion, reflecting congressional commitment to addressing major public health challenges affecting millions of Americans.

The Department of Education receives $79.0 billion in discretionary funding, representing a $217 million increase over FY 2025 and approximately $12 billion above the administration’s request to dramatically reduce education spending. The maximum Pell Grant award maintains its level at $7,395 for the 2026-2027 award year, supporting millions of low-income students pursuing higher education. Programs supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, and other Minority-Serving Institutions receive funding increases across the board through Title III and Title V programs, despite Justice Department claims challenging their legality. Early childhood education programs see targeted increases, with the Child Care and Development Block Grant receiving $8.831 billion (an $85 million increase), Head Start funded at $12.357 billion (also an $85 million increase), and Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five maintained at $315 million. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) receives level funding at $1.5 billion, supporting high-risk, high-reward research initiatives across complex medical conditions.

Homeland Security Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Department of Homeland Security Budget Justifications

The Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 provides $64.4 billion in total discretionary funding, representing a $600 million decrease overall from FY 2025 levels as Congress realigns Department of Homeland Security priorities around core missions. The legislation includes $3.0 billion for defense activities, $6.3 billion in discretionary appropriations offset by fee collections, and a substantial $26.37 billion allocation adjustment for major disaster response and recovery activities. This funding structure reflects congressional efforts to balance border security, immigration enforcement, disaster preparedness, and critical infrastructure protection while implementing fiscal restraint. The bill underwent intense negotiations, with the Senate passing a version on January 30, 2026, that extended DHS funding through February 13, 2026, separating it from other appropriations bills due to political disputes over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Customs and Border Protection receives $18.3 billion, a reduction of $1.3 billion from FY 2025, reflecting cuts below both President Trump’s budget request and House Republican proposals. Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains flat funding at approximately $11.0 billion in base appropriations, though this agency received $75 billion in additional resources through the separate “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” reconciliation legislation, enabling sustained operations for multiple years. The funding supports a maximum of 41,500 detention beds, thousands fewer than current operational levels, though medical care receives an $108 million increase. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sees significant funding growth at $5.7 billion, an increase of $873 million above FY 2025 levels (excluding disaster relief), supporting communities’ preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. The US Coast Guard receives $12.7 billion for operations, including targeted investments in acquisition programs, vessel maintenance, and facilities. The Secret Service obtains $3.25 billion, including $44 million for planning major National Special Security Events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) receives $2.6 billion, including $20 million to restore positions cut by the administration and $40 million for continued election security programs.

Transportation and Housing Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 provides $100.226 billion in total funding, addressing critical infrastructure modernization, aviation safety improvements, and housing affordability challenges across the United States. The measure includes $400 million in defense funding and $99.8 billion in nondefense funding, representing significant bipartisan investment in programs affecting daily American life. The bill passed the House on January 22, 2026, as part of a three-bill package totaling approximately $1.2 trillion in spending, and subsequently moved to the Senate for consideration ahead of the January 30 funding deadline.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development receives $77.3 billion in total discretionary budget authority, representing an increase of over $7 billion from FY 2025 levels and dramatically exceeding the $67.8 billion provided in initial House proposals. The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (Housing Choice Vouchers) receives $38.439 billion, an increase of $2.4 billion from FY 2025, supporting housing assistance for approximately 4.6 million households including seniors, disabled individuals, and working families. Project-Based Rental Assistance receives $18.543 billion, a $2.053 billion increase ensuring timely renewal of existing contracts. The HOME Investment Partnership Program maintains $1.25 billion in funding after facing elimination proposals earlier in the appropriations process, while Community Development Block Grants receive level funding at $3.3 billion. Homeless Assistance Grants, which fund Continuums of Care and emergency solutions, receive $4.4 billion – a $366 million increase – including dedicated funding for permanent supportive housing, youth homelessness programs, and domestic violence survivors. The Public Housing Fund receives $8.319 billion, down from approximately $9 billion in prior years but representing a compromise between competing proposals.

The Department of Transportation receives $26.5 billion in discretionary budget authority, with the Federal Aviation Administration receiving $22 billion – an increase of $2.3 billion – to address critical aviation infrastructure needs. This FAA funding includes $13.8 billion for Operations (supporting 2,500 new air traffic controller positions), $4 billion for Facilities and Equipment, $290 million for Research and Development, and $4 billion for Grants-in-Aid for Airports. The Federal Highway Administration receives $63.3 billion, including $350 million for a competitive Rural Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation program and funding for critical transportation infrastructure nationwide. The Federal Transit Administration obtains $16.8 billion for public transportation systems, including $1.9 billion for Capital Investment Grants and $55 million for ferry programs. Amtrak receives its fully requested $2.4 billion to sustain operations and maintain infrastructure, including $1.6 billion for the National Network.

Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, Commerce-Justice-Science Bill Summaries

The Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 was among the first six bills enacted into law, passing the House with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 397 to 28 and subsequently signed by President Trump as part of Public Law 119-74. This legislation funds critical federal programs spanning law enforcement, scientific research, space exploration, weather forecasting, and economic development. The bill directs spending to support public safety, infrastructure, innovation, and the administration’s priorities while maintaining essential programs relied upon by communities nationwide. The CJS appropriations received $2 billion in emergency spending as part of the broader package addressing disaster and emergency needs across government agencies.

The Department of Justice components within the bill maintain funding for federal law enforcement operations including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Prison System, and various grant programs supporting state and local law enforcement through the COPS Office. These programs provide vital resources for community policing, crime prevention, and criminal justice improvements across thousands of jurisdictions. The bill sufficiently funds COPS Office programs that have proven extremely successful since the program’s 1994 inception, helping law enforcement agencies serve and protect communities efficiently. Scientific agencies receive continued support, with NASA funded for ongoing space exploration missions and research programs, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) receiving resources for weather forecasting, climate research, and oceanic studies. The Census Bureau obtains necessary funding for ongoing operations and preparation activities, while the Patent and Trademark Office continues operating on fee-funded basis supporting innovation and intellectual property protection across American industries.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, Department of Energy

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 achieved enactment as part of the initial six-bill package signed into law, providing essential funding for the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation. This legislation advances the administration’s America First energy agenda by unleashing American-made energy production, investing in military nuclear capabilities, and modernizing infrastructure supporting water resource management and power generation nationwide. The bill passed the House as part of the consolidated package with strong bipartisan support of 397 to 28, reflecting broad consensus on energy and infrastructure priorities.

Department of Energy programs receive funding supporting the full spectrum of energy activities from weapons production to renewable energy research. The nuclear weapons complex obtains resources for maintaining and modernizing America’s strategic deterrent, including support for the B-21 Raider bomber, Columbia-class submarine, and Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile programs that comprise the nuclear triad. Naval reactor programs receive funding ensuring reliable propulsion for aircraft carriers and submarines. Energy efficiency and renewable energy programs continue research and development in solar, wind, geothermal, and other technologies advancing clean energy deployment. The bill makes historic commitments to decrease reliance on China’s critical minerals monopoly while positioning America as the global leader in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and supercomputing capabilities.

The Army Corps of Engineers receives substantial appropriations for water infrastructure projects including navigation improvements, flood control, environmental restoration, and hydroelectric power generation across the nation. Projects support ports, waterways, dams, and levees critical to commerce, safety, and economic development. The Bureau of Reclamation obtains funding for western water management, including irrigation, municipal water supply, hydropower generation, and water conservation programs serving millions of Americans in arid regions. The Energy and Water bill strengthens America’s electrical grid to enhance resilience against natural disasters and cyber threats while supporting infrastructure upgrades essential for meeting growing energy demand and transitioning to modern power systems.

Interior and Environment Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, Department of the Interior

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 received enactment as part of the first six-bill package, providing funding for the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, and related agencies managing America’s public lands, natural resources, and environmental programs. The legislation passed with the consolidated package receiving 397 to 28 House support, reflecting bipartisan commitment to conservation, resource management, and environmental protection balanced with economic development and energy production priorities.

The National Park Service receives funding for operating America’s 400+ national park units serving millions of visitors annually, supporting facility maintenance, resource protection, and visitor services. The Fish and Wildlife Service obtains resources for endangered species protection, wildlife refuge management, and conservation programs supporting biodiversity. The Bureau of Land Management manages 245 million acres of public lands, with funding supporting responsible energy development, grazing administration, recreation, and conservation efforts. The Bureau of Indian Affairs receives priority funding for programs serving tribal nations including education, law enforcement, social services, and economic development in Indian Country.

The Environmental Protection Agency continues environmental protection missions including clean water and clean air programs, Superfund site cleanup, and environmental enforcement activities. The Forest Service receives significant resources for wildland fire management, with the bill including $2.65 billion specifically for wildfire suppression addressing increasingly severe fire seasons impacting western states. The legislation fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, providing critical financial support to local governments with substantial federal land holdings within their jurisdictions. Conservation programs receive continued support through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and other initiatives expanding recreation access and protecting natural resources for future generations.

Agriculture and Related Agencies Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, Department of Agriculture

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 achieved full-year enactment on November 12, 2025, as part of the measure ending the initial government shutdown (P.L. 119-37). This legislation provides comprehensive funding for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies supporting American agriculture, rural communities, food safety, and nutrition assistance programs serving millions of Americans. The bill represents one of three appropriations measures receiving full-year funding in November 2025, with the remaining nine agencies operating under continuing resolution through January 30, 2026.

The Department of Agriculture components receive funding supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through various programs including the Farm Service Agency administering commodity support, conservation, and disaster assistance programs. Rural Development programs obtain resources for infrastructure investments in underserved areas including broadband deployment, water and wastewater systems, electric utilities, and community facilities essential for rural economic vitality. The Food and Nutrition Service receives substantial appropriations for nutrition assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meal programs serving low-income families and children nationwide.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service obtains funding for meat, poultry, and egg product inspection ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain. The Agricultural Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture receive resources supporting scientific research advancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and innovation. Natural Resources Conservation Service programs help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices protecting soil, water, and wildlife habitat while maintaining productive agriculture. The Food and Drug Administration receives appropriations for its critical public health mission including drug and medical device regulation, food safety oversight, tobacco control, and consumer protection activities affecting all Americans. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission obtains resources for oversight of agricultural commodity markets and derivatives trading ensuring market integrity and preventing manipulation.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs in the US 2026

Data sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense

The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MCVA) Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 received full-year enactment on November 12, 2025, as one of three bills funded in the measure ending the government shutdown (P.L. 119-37). This legislation provides comprehensive appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction projects across all service branches, supporting healthcare and benefits for America’s 9 million veterans enrolled in VA healthcare and maintaining infrastructure supporting military readiness worldwide. The bill includes notable additions addressing congressional security concerns following threats against members of Congress.

The Department of Veterans Affairs receives substantial funding supporting the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, with resources for 1,255 healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes serving veterans nationwide. The Veterans Health Administration obtains appropriations for medical services, mental health programs, prosthetics, homeless veteran assistance, and other healthcare needs. The Veterans Benefits Administration receives funding for processing disability compensation claims, education benefits under the GI Bill, home loan guarantees, and life insurance programs. The National Cemetery Administration maintains 155 national cemeteries providing dignified burial services for veterans and eligible family members.

Military Construction (MILCON) programs receive appropriations for infrastructure projects at military installations worldwide, including barracks construction, training facilities, maintenance buildings, and other structures essential for military readiness. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force all receive construction funding for priority projects improving quality of life for servicemembers and operational capabilities. The bill notably includes $203.5 million for enhanced security measures protecting members of Congress and their families, plus $852 million for US Capitol Police operations – significant increases reflecting heightened security concerns. These security provisions represent legislative branch priorities incorporated into the MCVA appropriations measure as part of broader government funding negotiations.

Legislative Branch Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, Legislative Branch Summary Documents

The Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 achieved full-year enactment on November 12, 2025, as the third measure funded in the legislation ending the government shutdown (P.L. 119-37). This bill provides appropriations for the House of Representatives, Senate, US Capitol Police, Library of Congress, and related legislative agencies supporting congressional operations and public services. The measure reflects regular legislative needs plus significant security enhancements responding to threats against elected officials and the Capitol complex.

The House of Representatives and Senate receive operational funding supporting 535 members of Congress and thousands of staff members enabling legislative activities including committee operations, constituent services, and floor proceedings. The US Capitol Police obtains $852 million for securing the Capitol complex, congressional office buildings, and protecting members and staff – a substantial increase reflecting enhanced security posture following the January 6, 2021, attack and ongoing threat assessments. The bill includes an additional $203.5 million specifically designated for member security enhancements, enabling protection for members of Congress and their families in their home districts and during official travel.

The Library of Congress receives funding for operating the national library serving Congress and the American public, including copyright registration, research services, and preserving historical materials in collections exceeding 173 million items. The Government Accountability Office obtains resources for congressional oversight activities, conducting audits and investigations of federal programs and expenditures. The Congressional Budget Office receives appropriations for providing nonpartisan budget and economic analysis supporting congressional fiscal decision-making. The Architect of the Capitol maintains the Capitol building, congressional office buildings, Library of Congress facilities, Supreme Court building, and Capitol grounds – totaling 18 million square feet of buildings and 570 acres of grounds requiring ongoing maintenance and improvements.

Financial Services and General Government in the US 2026

Data sources: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, FSGG Bill Summaries

The Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 passed the Senate on January 30, 2026, as part of the five-bill package addressing remaining appropriations needs, though it requires House reconciliation before final enactment. This legislation funds the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Executive Office of the President, General Services Administration, National Archives, independent agencies including the Small Business Administration and regulatory bodies overseeing financial markets and communications. The bill was previously passed by the House on January 14, 2026, in combination with the National Security-State appropriations bill as part of ongoing negotiations to complete FY 2026 funding.

The Department of the Treasury receives appropriations supporting tax collection, financial regulation, currency production, and economic policy implementation. The Internal Revenue Service obtains enhanced resources supporting tax enforcement, taxpayer services, and systems modernization aimed at improving compliance and reducing the tax gap. The Executive Office of the President receives funding for White House operations, the Office of Management and Budget providing budget oversight across government, and various presidential support functions. The General Services Administration manages federal buildings, property, and procurement systems serving all government agencies.

The National Archives and Records Administration receives funding with the bill reallocating NARA’s budget from previous years, providing a modest increase to its operating budget supporting maintenance and digitization of federal records while implementing a large reduction to its construction budget. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) Grants Program receives $5 million, down from $10 million in previous years but preserving some funding for crucial archival preservation programs despite the administration’s budget request completely eliminating NHPRC funding. The Small Business Administration obtains resources for loan programs, business counseling, and disaster assistance supporting America’s 33 million small businesses. The Securities and Exchange Commission receives funding for regulating securities markets and protecting investors, while the Federal Communications Commission obtains resources for spectrum management, broadband deployment oversight, and telecommunications regulation.

State and Foreign Operations Appropriations in the US 2026

Data sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Department of State

The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill for FY 2026 passed the Senate on January 30, 2026, as part of the five-bill package (now combined as the “National Security-State” bill) addressing foreign policy, diplomatic operations, and international development programs. The legislation awaits House reconciliation before final enactment. This bill funds the Department of State, US Agency for International Development (USAID), contributions to international organizations, and foreign assistance programs supporting American interests and values worldwide. The measure received $2.5 billion in emergency spending as part of broader crisis response allocations addressing international challenges.

The Department of State receives appropriations supporting diplomatic operations at more than 270 embassies, consulates, and other posts worldwide, employing thousands of Foreign Service Officers and civil servants advancing American interests through diplomacy. Embassy security programs obtain enhanced funding for facility hardening, threat mitigation, and personnel protection following security assessments and ongoing threats to US diplomatic personnel globally. Public diplomacy and cultural exchange programs receive resources supporting the Fulbright Program and other initiatives building relationships and mutual understanding between Americans and foreign populations.

USAID obtains funding for development assistance programs addressing global health, food security, economic growth, democracy promotion, and humanitarian crises in developing countries. Migration and refugee assistance programs receive appropriations supporting humanitarian response to displacement crises affecting millions globally. The bill funds contributions to international organizations including the United Nations and specialized agencies, maintaining American leadership in multilateral institutions. Security cooperation programs provide military and security assistance to partner nations supporting counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and defense capabilities aligned with US strategic interests. The State-Foreign Operations bill represents critical investment in American global leadership through diplomatic engagement, development partnerships, and humanitarian assistance complementing military capabilities in advancing national security objectives worldwide.

Current Status and Outlook for Funding Bills in the US 2026

Data sources: Congress.gov, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Congressional Quarterly, House and Senate Appropriations Committees

The funding bill process for FY 2026 has achieved historic progress through returning to “regular order” with individual appropriations bills rather than massive omnibus packages, though challenges persist as Congress works to complete all twelve bills before funding lapses occur. As of February 4, 2026, six bills have achieved full-year enactment providing certainty for agencies including Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Military Construction, the Legislative Branch, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water Development, and Interior-Environment. These enacted measures represent substantial portions of discretionary spending and demonstrate Congress’s ability to work across partisan lines despite narrow margins and political divisions.

The Senate passed five additional bills on January 30, 2026 – Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, Transportation-HUD, Financial Services-General Government, and State-Foreign Operations – totaling approximately $1.2 trillion in spending. However, these bills require House reconciliation as the Senate made modifications including separating the Department of Homeland Security funding into a short-term continuing resolution through February 13, 2026. This separation resulted from political disputes over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations following controversial incidents. The House, currently in recess, must return to consider Senate changes before these bills can receive final passage and presidential signature.

A partial government shutdown began on January 31, 2026, affecting agencies covered by the six bills not yet enacted into law. This shutdown continues as congressional leaders negotiate final details and work toward House passage of the Senate-modified package. The Department of Homeland Security faces particular uncertainty, operating under the short-term extension expiring February 13, 2026, requiring additional legislative action within days. Despite these challenges, the overall appropriations process for FY 2026 represents meaningful progress toward fiscal responsibility, transparency, and member-driven deliberation – breaking from dysfunction and last-minute omnibus packages that characterized recent years. Congressional leaders from both parties emphasize the importance of completing remaining bills promptly to provide funding certainty for federal agencies, employees, and the American people who depend on government services throughout the remainder of FY 2026 ending September 30, 2026.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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