Senate Panel Clears Stopgap Bill to Delay Shutdown Risk

Senate Republicans are racing against the clock to pass critical funding measures before lawmakers depart Washington this week, but internal divisions and resistance to President Donald Trump's priorities have complicated the effort. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has pushed his caucus to advance a stopgap spending bill, dozens of nominees, Russia sanctions and a budget framework, yet the path forward remains uncertain amid objections from within the party.

The Appropriations Committee reached a bipartisan agreement Sunday on a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11, averting a potential shutdown at the end of September. The measure provides additional time for negotiations on the full appropriations bills for fiscal year 2027. Sen. Patty Murray, the committee's vice chair, highlighted provisions that block policies allowing the administration to withhold federal grants and close a loophole related to Border Patrol funding. Sen. Susan Collins, the chair, described the bill as straightforward and noted adjustments for programs including nutrition assistance for women, infants and children.

Thune's broader agenda faces steeper hurdles. Trump has insisted the Senate remain in session to pass the Save America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification at polls. Thune has stated repeatedly that the provisions lack sufficient support to advance, even under reconciliation procedures that could bypass Democratic opposition. Sen. Thom Tillis has declared outright opposition, while Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Bill Cassidy and Collins have raised concerns about the accompanying budget framework.

A separate $95 billion package addressing funding for Iran-related efforts and farm aid has already cleared the House with added defense and election provisions aligned with Trump's preferences. Thune acknowledged the Senate version faces significant obstacles. "We're probably not there," he told reporters, noting the need for near-unanimous Republican backing under reconciliation. Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker has advocated for even higher defense spending levels, a position that could further strain fiscal conservatives in the caucus.

The disagreements underscore the challenge of aligning the Republican conference with Trump's agenda on voting rules and spending priorities. Several senators have signaled reluctance to tie unrelated measures to core funding legislation, raising questions about whether the party can deliver unified support before the recess. The continuing resolution now moves to a procedural vote in the full Senate, with the House required to approve identical text for it to take effect.