On November 12, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 222-209 on a bill providing full-year appropriations for several agencies and temporary funding via a continuing resolution (CR) for the remaining agencies through January 30, 2026. President Trump signed the bill into law to end the current lapse in funding and the longest government shutdown in United States history.

All federal employees, including excepted and those furloughed during the shutdown – received back pay thanks to the Government Employees Fair Treatment Act – a 2019 law signed by President Trump. Reductions in Force (RIFs) are paused through January 2026, as well.

“FMA is relieved the House followed the Senate’s lead to end this disastrous government shutdown,” Carter wrote. “There are no winners in a government shutdown. It is a lose-lose proposition, and simply bad governing. Like every other shutdown, this recent lapse in funding has long-term, tangible, irreparable negative effects, not just on dutiful federal managers and their families, but for every American who relies on the services they provide.”

Carter argued funding the government is a “primary function of the U.S. Congress and there is no excuse for a lack of appropriations causing a shutdown.” He also addressed concerns many have with particular aspects of the deal, and continuing challenges that need to be solved, including health care costs.

“Federal employees should never be used as pawns by our elected decision makers,” Carter wrote.

“FMA implores legislators on both sides of the aisle to work in a bipartisan fashion and negotiate in good faith to reach agreement in funding the remainder of FY26 well in advance of January 30 when much of government funding will expire.”

Agriculture, Military Construction/VA, and the legislative branch received full-year appropriations, while all other agencies received temporary funding through January 30. FMA is closely monitoring progress on discussions as Congress works on full-year funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026, which began on October 1, 2025.

Senate Republicans are working on an appropriations package that would include FY26 funding for most of the remaining agencies. Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and other leaders are eyeing a minibus package that would fund Commerce-Justice-Science, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Transportation-HUD, and Defense. General concerns with the package include the total amount of spending. Senators do not expect much movement on appropriations in December.

The same appears true in the House of Representatives, as House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) said there “isn’t a lot happening” on the remaining FY26 funding bills. Lawmakers have through January 2026 to address appropriations or risk another lapse in funding.