US House passes stopgap funding bill to avert government shutdown

The US House of Representatives approved a temporary spending measure on September 1, 2026, by a vote of 370 to 48, to keep the federal government funded through December 11. The measure, which had already passed the Senate on August 8, now goes to President Donald Trump for signature. It prevents a government shutdown that would have occurred on October 1 when existing funding expires. Congress has not yet passed the 12 full-year appropriations bills for fiscal year 2027, and the continuing resolution gives lawmakers more time to negotiate. The vote removes the immediate threat of a shutdown as the November 3 midterm elections approach. The measure does not address broader fiscal challenges, including the national debt surpassing $40 trillion.