Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of HR 5450: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 **What It Does:** This bill is a "continuing resolution" that would temporarily fund the federal government for fiscal year 2026 (starting October 1, 2025) if Congress hasn't passed regular budget bills by then. Without this kind of measure, the government would shut down. The bill funds most federal agencies at 2025 spending levels through October 31, 2025, though it includes some exceptions with extra funding for specific programs and permanently extends the expanded tax credits that help people afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact virtually all Americans by keeping federal agencies running, including those handling Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, national defense, and other services.
It specifically helps people who use ACA health insurance subsidies, adds funding for Medicaid, and increases security protections for federal officials. It also affects public broadcasting and various other federal programs. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet passed either chamber of Congress. This type of legislation is routine—Congress typically passes continuing resolutions when regular budget negotiations aren't completed before the fiscal year begins.
CRS Official Summary
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, permanently extends the expanded premium tax credit for purchasing health insurance, provides additional funding for Medicaid and security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs.Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of October 31, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025.The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and security for federal officials.In addition, the CRpermanently extends provisions that expanded the premium tax credit, which generally reduces premiums for health insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange;repeals health care provisions that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including provisions that reduced Medicaid funding; authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget;extends the availability of certain funds that are being withheld by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); andlimits the authority of OMB to withhold appropriations.Finally, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including programs related to health care, veterans, homeland security, and agriculture.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.