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Stopgap bill would fund government through Dec. 11, 2026, avert shutdown

Signed into lawH.R. 6500Latest action

Sponsor: Jason Smith · Representative · MO

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

119th Congress

Topics: Jobs & the economy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

HR 6500 extends federal funding at 2026 levels through December 11, 2026, to prevent a .

55-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

HR 6500 is a that extends federal funding at roughly 2026 levels through December 11, 2026, covering defense, veterans affairs, housing, transportation, and agriculture. It carves out special provisions so programs like WIC, wildfire suppression, disaster relief, shipbuilding cost overruns, and nuclear weapons facility projects avoid being stuck at reduced funding. It also renews several expiring laws, including trade preferences, customs and passport fees, cybersecurity information-sharing rules, patent office fee authority, and Surface Transportation Extension Act highway and transit programs.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects veterans, farmers, travelers, taxpayers, government employees, and people relying on federal housing, nutrition, or health programs. It also includes one-time death benefit payments to family members of two former members of Congress.

Why does it matter?

Without this bill, government funding would lapse and agencies, contractors, and beneficiaries could face disruptions while Congress negotiates full-year spending bills. It buys lawmakers additional time to complete permanent budget legislation.

What does it cost, and who pays?

  • Rescinds old unused funds
  • Redirects funds to related programs
  • One-time death benefits paid

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

No call to make

This is law.

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedDec 9, 2025
  2. House committee
  3. House vote
  4. Senate
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law

Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-103.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 286

    As recorded

    Question
    On Motion to and Concur in the Senate Amendments
    Result:
    Passed
    370
    Nay
    48
    0
    14

    Republicans 193 yes, 19 no, 6 not voting · Democrats 176 yes, 29 no, 8 not voting · Independent 1 yes

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 228

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage of the Bill H.R. 6500
    Result:
    Bill Passed
    90
    Nay
    6
    1
    3

    Republicans 47 yes, 2 no, 1 present, 3 not voting · Democrats 42 yes, 3 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  3. Senate · · Roll call 227

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.Amdt. 6747 to S.Amdt. 6732 to H.R. 6500 (No short title on file)
    Result:
    Motion to Table Agreed to
    61
    Nay
    32
    0
    7

    Republicans 26 yes, 21 no, 6 not voting · Democrats 34 yes, 11 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

3 earlier votes

  1. Senate · · Roll call 226

    As recorded

    Question
    On the Motion S.Amdt. 6732 to H.R. 6500 (No short title on file)
    Result:
    Cloture Motion Agreed to
    91
    Nay
    6
    1
    2

    Republicans 48 yes, 2 no, 1 present, 2 not voting · Democrats 42 yes, 3 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 218

    As recorded

    Question
    On H.R. 6500
    Result:
    Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to
    89
    Nay
    4
    0
    7

    Republicans 49 yes, 1 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 39 yes, 2 no, 4 not voting · Independents 1 yes, 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  3. House · · Roll call 14

    As recorded

    Question
    On Motion to and Pass, as Amended
    Result:
    Passed
    340
    Nay
    54
    0
    37

    Republicans 149 yes, 43 no, 26 not voting · Democrats 191 yes, 11 no, 11 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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