Senate nears 'minibus' deal to largely fund government, thwarting shutdown threat [View all]
Source: The Hill
12/18/25 4:33 PM ET
Senate leaders are nearing a deal to pass a package of five appropriations bills that would fund most of the federal government through fiscal 2026, which has the potential to largely take the threat of a government shutdown off the table early next year.
Senators were waiting Thursday afternoon for a deal to set up votes on a series of amendments to the so-called minibus, which would fund the departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Commerce, Justice, Interior, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.
Senators on the Appropriations Committee estimate that if the five-bill package becomes law, it would fund roughly 85 percent to 90 percent of the federal government and eliminate the threat of a government shutdown in February.
The House would also have to agree to the package, as would President Trump. Much of the government will shut down Feb. 1 without a new funding bill.
Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5655795-appropriations-bill-package-2026/
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