Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
Summary
The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 (S. 2882) is designed to provide temporary funding for federal agencies and programs through October 31, 2025, while also addressing several extensions and other specific matters. It ensures government operations continue without interruption, preventing a shutdown. The Act includes appropriations for various departments and agencies, extensions for healthcare programs, veterans' affairs, and other miscellaneous provisions.
Division A focuses on continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026, mirroring fiscal year 2025 levels with some exceptions. Division B includes extensions for several programs related to health, veterans affairs, and other areas, providing short-term stability.
The Act also addresses budgetary effects, emergency designations, and rescissions, impacting how funds are allocated and managed.
Expected Effects
The Act will primarily ensure the continuity of government services and programs through October 31, 2025. This includes maintaining funding levels for various federal departments and agencies, preventing disruptions in services such as healthcare, veterans' affairs, and other critical areas.
Several programs receive short-term extensions, providing temporary stability but requiring further legislative action for long-term solutions. The Act's budgetary provisions will influence how funds are allocated and managed, affecting various sectors.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents government shutdown by providing temporary funding for federal agencies and programs.
- Extends critical healthcare programs, including community health centers and special diabetes programs.
- Supports veterans' affairs by extending programs for nursing home care, transportation, and suicide prevention.
- Maintains essential services and programs related to food security, defense production, and cybersecurity.
- Provides additional funding for specific needs, such as enhanced member security programs for the House and Senate.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The short-term nature of the continuing appropriations creates uncertainty and requires further legislative action for long-term funding solutions.
- Some programs may face funding limitations or restrictions, potentially impacting their effectiveness.
- Emergency designations and rescissions could shift budgetary priorities, potentially affecting other areas.
- The Act's reliance on previous fiscal year funding levels may not address current needs or changing circumstances.
- Certain provisions may have unintended consequences or require further clarification and adjustment.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the US Constitution by exercising Congress's power of the purse, as granted in Article I, Section 9, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The Act appropriates funds for various government functions, ensuring their continued operation.
Several sections address specific programs and extensions, which fall under Congress's legislative authority. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, the reliance on continuing resolutions for funding may raise concerns about Congress's ability to fulfill its constitutional duty to provide a comprehensive budget, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).