RismadarVoice Reporters, August 8, 2026
The United States Senate has approved a short-term spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown ahead of the November midterm elections.
The bipartisan legislation passed by 90 votes to six and would keep federal agencies funded at current levels through December 11, giving lawmakers additional time to negotiate a full-year spending agreement.
The measure was negotiated by members of both parties and contains several additional provisions, including one sought by Democrats to prevent President Donald Trump from withholding federal grants from states for political reasons.
The bill also includes measures to maintain funding for food assistance programmes such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Additional funding provisions cover disaster relief and national security needs.
The legislation must now be approved by the House of Representatives and signed by President Trump before September 30 to prevent federal funding from expiring on October 1.
The move is intended to avoid another prolonged budget confrontation in Congress, particularly with lawmakers preparing for the November 3 elections.
Neither party appeared willing to risk a shutdown that could further damage its standing with voters amid growing anti-incumbency sentiment during the current election cycle.
The House had previously approved a separate short-term funding measure before lawmakers departed Washington for the August recess.
The Senate is also expected to adjourn for the month after completing outstanding legislative business, leaving the House to consider the Senate-approved funding proposal when lawmakers return.
