Lawmakers Release 'Mini-Bus' Spending Package to Avert Federal Shutdown

January 08, 2026

Congressional appropriators have reached agreement on a spending package that would significantly boost funding for key infrastructure projects and programs while avoiding a looming U.S. government shutdown later this month. 

Federal agencies would halt operations Jan. 30 if both chambers were not able to pass legislation before then to keep them open. In November 2025, lawmakers ended the longest government shutdown in history by passing a stopgap measure funding the Depts. of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, as well as legislative branch programs and military construction through September, the end of fiscal 2026 — but funding for other agencies would expire at the end of January. 

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