Congress has bought itself more time, but the biggest spending decisions of FY2027 are still ahead.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress has cleared a short-term spending bill designed to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11, avoiding a government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
The measure provides lawmakers additional time to negotiate the 12 FY2027 appropriations bills, but leaves many larger spending questions unresolved. For small businesses, the outcome could affect federal contracting, agency programs, grants, research funding and other programs supported through the annual appropriations process.
With the immediate shutdown deadline pushed into December, Congress faces a crowded fall agenda and a limited window to get things done before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Lawmakers are expected to continue working through FY2027 appropriations, while also addressing defense and national-security funding, agriculture and other expiring programs and authorizations. If Congress cannot complete the appropriations process by Dec. 11, lawmakers could once again turn to another short-term spending measure or a larger year-end package.
The election calendar adds another layer of uncertainty. Members will spend much of October campaigning and returning to their districts, making the post-election lame-duck session a potentially important period for completing unfinished legislation.
The latest spending bill provides short-term certainty, but not long-term clarity.
The measure, which keeps federal spending at current levels through the expiration of the CR, now heads to President Trump’s desk after the Senate approved it by an overwhelming margin last month.
NSBA will continue monitoring the appropriations process and advocating for policies that protect federal contracting opportunities and programs that support America's small businesses.