Story perspectives

Bipartisan CR Averts Shutdown, Funds Government Until Dec 11

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Majority Leaders John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Chuck Schumer (D-New York) negotiated a bipartisan continuing resolution funding the government through Dec 11, averting a shutdown before Sep 30.
Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) urged a vote on a budget resolution to start a third reconciliation bill, noting 10-11 committees could be drawn in.
Susan Collins (R-Maine) opposed an early vote, warning it could force amendments on ICE limits or the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 federal shutdown, when President Bill Clinton and Speaker Newt Gingrich deadlocked on a budget, halted agencies for 21 days. The shutdown cost the economy roughly $1.5 billion in lost productivity and delayed $2 billion in government payments, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Today's bipartisan continuing resolution, brokered by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader John Thune, faces pressure from Ron Johnson and Susan Collins. The pattern shows Congress repeatedly resorts to stopgap funding, preserving services while leaving long-term fiscal reform unresolved.

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Story summary

Majority Leaders John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Chuck Schumer (D-New York) negotiated a bipartisan continuing resolution funding the government through Dec 11, averting a shutdown before Sep 30.
Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) urged a vote on a budget resolution to start a third reconciliation bill, noting 10-11 committees could be drawn in.
Susan Collins (R-Maine) opposed an early vote, warning it could force amendments on ICE limits or the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.

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