Oppose a Blank Check Federal Budget Deal (SENATE VOTE TODAY)

Updates

Sept 29, 2025: All 4 Congressional leaders came away from a meeting with Trump without much change in their ongoing negotiation to avoid a government shutdown. Republicans remain focused on passing their “clean” CR, while Democrats refuse to sign off on a partisan budget that does not include ACA tax credit extensions or protections against Trump’s rescissions and impoundment. The Senate will likely vote on the House-passed CR again on September 30.

Sept 26, 2025: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought has sent a memo to government agencies instructing them to prepare for “mass firings” of federal employees if a government shutdown occurs. This threat of mass firing is much more extreme than the typical furloughing of federal employees that follows a shutdown and instead would permanently eliminate jobs in programs “not consistent with Trump’s priorities.”

Sept 19, 2025: By a vote of 217-212, the House passed H.R. 5371, a “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR) to maintain current funding levels until November 21st. Rep. Golden (D-ME) voted Yes with Republicans, while Rep. Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Spartz (R-IN) voted No with Democrats. However, with a 44-48 vote, this blank check CR failed to pass the Senate. Senators Murkowski (R-AK) and Paul (R-KY) voted No with Democrats, while Sen. Fetterman (D-PA) voted Yes with Republicans. The Senate also failed to pass S. 2882, a different CR proposed by Democrats that would permanently extend ACA tax credits, roll back “big beautiful bill” Medicaid cuts, restore funding for public broadcasting, and block the White House from illegally impounding federal funds; this vote was entirely partisan. Both the House and Senate will now be back home on recess until September 29th, and it is unclear if new legislation will be taken up to avert an October 1st government shutdown.

Congress must pass a new federal appropriations bill by September 30th to fund the government for fiscal year (FY) 2026; failure to do so will lead to a government shutdown starting on October 1st. Lawmakers may alternatively pass a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) that maintains current funding terms, like the one passed in March of this year. Either piece of legislation must pass the Senate by 60 votes to be enacted.

Throughout this term, the Trump administration has repeatedly defied Congress’ constitutional authority over tariffs, the military, and the federal budget. They have canceled or frozen federal funding for programs already approved by Congress with illegal impoundments and rescissions. Now, even if lawmakers pass a new 2026 budget, the Trump administration may not adhere to its terms, once again undermining the legislative branch and making unilateral funding decisions.

Directing federal appropriations is one of Congress’ most vital constitutional authorities. They must now use this important point of leverage to rein in the Trump administration’s authoritarian regime and serve as a check on this dangerous consolidation of power. Demand your representatives in Congress oppose any federal budget deal that serves as a blank check for Trump’s ongoing abuses of power.