House Passes Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, Funding Most of Government and Enacting Short-Term DHS CR, 217-214
The House convened to address government funding, passing a motion to concur in Senate amendments to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. This action fully funded five major departments and agencies—Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, State, Treasury, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development—through the end of fiscal year 2026. The package also included a short-term continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), extending its funding at current levels for 10 days, until February 13, 2026, to allow for further negotiations. Prior to this, the House adopted a rule (H. Res. 1032) that also made in order consideration of H.J. Res. 142, disapproving a D.C. tax law, and H.R. 4090, the Critical Mineral Dominance Act, though votes on these two measures did not occur on this day.
This chamber-day was highly significant as it ended a partial government shutdown, ensuring continued operations and pay for a substantial portion of the Federal Government and its employees, including military personnel. The short-term funding for DHS sets up a critical 10-day period for intense negotiations regarding the agency's operations and accountability, particularly concerning recent enforcement actions. The passage of the rule also laid the groundwork for future consideration of legislation impacting D.C. tax policy and domestic mineral production.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 7148Question before the chamber
Motion to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 7148.
The case for
Proponents argued that passing the bill was essential to end the ongoing government shutdown, ensure Federal employees and military personnel receive their pay, and provide stability for the American people. They highlighted that the bill fully funds five departments (Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, State-Foreign Operations, Financial Services and General Government, Transportation-HUD) through the end of the fiscal year, incorporating Democratic priorities like increased funding for NIH, rental assistance, childcare, and Head Start, and rejecting proposed cuts. They also noted the bill includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers and reclaims congressional power over the budget process. The short-term CR for DHS was presented as an opportunity for further negotiations on that agency's reforms.
The case against
Opponents, primarily Democrats, expressed strong opposition to the bill due to the inclusion of a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without immediate, substantive reforms to address alleged abuses by ICE and CBP. They cited recent incidents in Minneapolis, including the deaths of American citizens, as evidence of lawless and out-of-control agency actions. They argued that funding DHS without accountability would perpetuate cruelty and undermine constitutional rights, and that the $75 billion provided to ICE in the 'big, ugly bill' should be clawed back and redirected to healthcare.
Disposition
Motion to concur in the Senate amendments · recorded vote
Agreed to
Yeas 217, Nays 214
Who is affected
- Federal employees and military personnel: Will receive timely pay and a 3.8 percent pay raise, ending uncertainty due to the shutdown.
- Recipients of social programs (e.g., rental assistance, Head Start, senior nutrition): Will continue to receive vital services and funding, preventing disruptions and potential evictions or loss of access to early education.
- Patients and researchers (e.g., NIH, community health centers): Will benefit from increased funding for biomedical research and continued healthcare services, preventing freezes on new grants and service cutbacks.
- Communities affected by DHS/ICE actions: Will continue to experience current levels of immigration enforcement, with a 10-day window for potential reforms and accountability discussions.
- American taxpayers: Will see government operations continue, avoiding the economic disruptions and inefficiencies associated with a prolonged shutdown.
Providing for Consideration of Senate Amendments to H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026; Providing for Consideration of H.J. Res. 142, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025; and Providing for Consideration of H.R. 4090, Critical Mineral Dominance Act
H. Res. 1032Question before the chamber
Adoption of House Resolution 1032.
The case for
Proponents argued that the rule was necessary to allow the House to govern, end the ongoing government shutdown, and consider important legislation. They stated it would enable a vote on funding the government, ensuring military pay, addressing D.C. tax policy to benefit residents, and advancing domestic mineral production to strengthen economic and national security. They also defended the rule as preserving equal debate and protecting minority rights, despite claims of it being 'closed'.
The case against
Opponents criticized the rule as 'closed' and the 'most closed Congress in history,' arguing it stifled debate and prevented amendments, particularly one to cut ICE funding and redirect it to healthcare. They expressed strong disapproval of the D.C. tax bill, calling it an interference in local governance that would create a significant budget hole and harm families. Concerns were also raised about H.R. 4090 being a 'giveaway to mining CEOs and polluters' that would gut regulations.
Disposition
Resolution · recorded vote
Agreed to
Ayes 217, Noes 215
Who is affected
- Members of Congress and the legislative process: The rule dictated the terms of debate and amendment for several key legislative items, influencing how these matters were considered.
- Federal employees and military personnel: The rule enabled the vote on appropriations that would ensure their pay and end the shutdown.
- Residents and businesses of the District of Columbia: The rule made in order a joint resolution that would disapprove a local D.C. tax law, potentially affecting their tax benefits and the city's budget.
- Domestic mining industry and environmental interests: The rule made in order a bill aimed at codifying executive orders to streamline domestic mining, potentially impacting resource extraction and environmental regulations.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, Passed, Ending Partial Government Shutdown
highThe House agreed to a motion to concur in Senate amendments to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, by a recorded vote of 217-214. This action fully funded five appropriations bills covering Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, State-Foreign Operations, Financial Services and General Government, and Transportation-HUD, thereby ending a partial government shutdown for these departments and agencies. Proponents emphasized the importance of funding the government, ensuring military pay raises, and securing Democratic policy priorities.
Department of Homeland Security Funded via Short-Term Continuing Resolution
highIncluded within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, was a 10-day continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), extending its funding at current levels until February 13, 2026. This provision was a key point of contention, with many Democrats expressing strong opposition to continued funding for DHS without significant reforms and accountability for alleged abuses by ICE and CBP.
Rule Adopted to Consider Appropriations, D.C. Tax Bill, and Critical Minerals Act
mediumThe House adopted H. Res. 1032 by a recorded vote of 217-215, providing for the consideration of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, H.J. Res. 142 (disapproving a D.C. tax law), and H.R. 4090 (Critical Mineral Dominance Act). The rule was criticized by some Democrats for being 'closed' and limiting amendments, particularly regarding DHS funding and the D.C. tax measure.
Debate on ICE and CBP Actions Highlights Deep Divisions
highDuring debate on the rule and the appropriations package, numerous Democratic Members voiced strong condemnation of recent actions by ICE and CBP, particularly in Minneapolis, citing alleged human rights abuses, warrantless searches, and the deaths of American citizens. They called for immediate reforms, accountability, and withholding of DHS funding until changes are implemented.