Lawmakers Move to Avoid Government Shutdown, Reconsider Permanent Fix

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican tactic. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working with Senator Susan Collins on a bipartisan agreement to fund the government past November. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The bill, supported by AFGE, aims to stop using federal employees as bargaining chips. The article notes the longest government shutdown in history occurred last year, followed by a partial DHS shutdown.