House Concurs in Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, Reopening Government and Funding Key Agencies, 222-209
The House of Representatives convened and, after a series of procedural votes, concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, by a recorded vote of 222-209. This action effectively reopens the Federal Government after a 43-day shutdown, providing funding for various departments and programs through January 30, 2026, and enacting three full-year appropriations bills for the Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs divisions.
The passage of H.R. 5371 ends the longest government shutdown in history, restoring essential federal services and ensuring pay for Federal employees and military personnel. It also locks in full-year funding for several critical areas, including veterans' healthcare, food and nutrition programs, and legislative operations. However, the bill's failure to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and the inclusion of a controversial provision regarding Senate data disclosure sparked significant debate and opposition, highlighting ongoing partisan divides on healthcare affordability and legislative ethics.
Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
H.R. 5371Question before the chamber
The motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371.
The case for
Proponents argued that the bill reopens the government, ending the suffering caused by the shutdown, and restores critical services. They highlighted that it provides full-year funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch, and Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration. This includes funding for SNAP and WIC, veteran medical care, military family housing, and Capitol Police. They asserted that the bill represents responsible governance by locking in disciplined spending levels and preventing a last-minute omnibus.
The case against
Opponents argued that the bill is deeply flawed and fails to address the Republican healthcare crisis, specifically the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that will cause premiums to skyrocket for millions. They criticized the inclusion of a 'corrupt' provision allowing certain Senators to sue the government for millions over phone record subpoenas related to the January 6 investigation. They also noted that the bill does not fully cover the Toxic Exposures Fund for veterans and accused the administration of illegally withholding SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
Disposition
The motion to concur was agreed to. · recorded vote
The bill passed the House, sending it to the President for signature.
222-209
Who is affected
- Federal employees and military families: Will have their pay restored and receive back pay, ending financial uncertainty caused by the shutdown.
- SNAP and WIC recipients: Will receive full funding for their benefits, ensuring continued access to nutritional assistance.
- Veterans: Will continue to receive medical care, disability compensation, education benefits, and other services, with full-year funding for VA programs.
- Individuals relying on ACA tax credits: Will face potentially significant increases in healthcare premiums as the enhanced tax credits are not extended in this bill.
- Taxpayers: Will potentially fund millions of dollars in payouts to certain Senators due to a controversial provision allowing them to sue the government for phone record subpoenas.
- Air traffic controllers: Will have their pay restored, addressing disruptions to air travel safety and operations.
Providing for Consideration of Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
H. Res. 873Question before the chamber
The adoption of H. Res. 873.
The case for
Proponents argued that adopting the rule was necessary to move forward with reopening the government and ending the shutdown. They stated that the rule would allow for the consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371, which includes critical funding for federal operations and several full-year appropriations bills.
The case against
Opponents argued against the rule, primarily due to their objections to the underlying H.R. 5371. They criticized the bill's failure to address the expiring ACA tax credits and the inclusion of the controversial Senate provision. They also highlighted that the rule prevented amendments to address these concerns, calling it a 'dirty CR' and a 'shamelessly corrupt fleecing of the American people'.
Disposition
The resolution was agreed to. · recorded vote
The rule was adopted, allowing the House to proceed with the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371.
213-209
Amendments
- An amendment to the previous question, offered by Mr. McGovern, to amend the rule to consider as adopted an amendment to the continuing resolution, offered by Representative Subramanyam, which would strike the corrupt giveaway to Senators. (Mr. McGovern) — The previous question was ordered, preventing consideration of the amendment. [216-213]
Who is affected
- Members of the House: The rule governed the terms of debate and the ability to offer amendments on the critical government funding bill.
- The public: The adoption of the rule directly enabled the passage of the bill that would reopen the government and affect various federal programs.
Government Reopened After 43-Day Shutdown
highThe House voted to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371, effectively ending the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. The bill provides continuing appropriations for most federal agencies through January 30, 2026, and includes full-year appropriations for three specific divisions.
Three Full-Year Appropriations Bills Enacted
highH.R. 5371 incorporates full fiscal year 2026 appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Legislative Branch; and Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. This ensures stable funding for these critical areas beyond the short-term continuing resolution period.
Controversial Senate Data Disclosure Provision Included
highThe bill contains a provision (Section 213 of Division C) that amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005, to create a private cause of action for Senators whose Senate data is acquired, subpoenaed, searched, accessed, or disclosed in violation of new notification requirements, with statutory damages of at least $500,000 per instance. Opponents criticized this as a self-serving measure for certain Senators.
ACA Tax Credit Extensions Not Included
highDespite strong calls from Democratic members, the passed legislation does not include an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. Opponents argued this will lead to significant increases in healthcare premiums for millions of Americans.
Discharge Petition for Epstein Files Reaches 218 Signatures
mediumDuring the session, Representative Adelita S. Grijalva became the 218th signatory on the discharge petition for H. Res. 581, a resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 185, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This action makes the discharge petition eligible for a vote to bring the underlying bill to the floor.
House Expresses Sorrow for Richard B. Cheney
lowThe House agreed to H. Res. 874, expressing profound sorrow on the death of the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, a former Vice President of the United States. The House subsequently adjourned as a mark of respect.