On August 8, the Senate passed its version of a continuing resolution (CR) in a 90-6 vote that would extend fiscal year (FY) 2026 funding levels through December 11. The Senate-passed bill includes language that delays implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule overhauling the way federal grants are managed for the duration of the CR. Last month, the House approved its version of a CR that would extend funding until December 4. Notably, the House-passed CR did not include language regarding the implementation of the OMB rule. Currently, the Senate Appropriations Committee has not considered any of its twelve appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year while the House Appropriations Committee has advanced all twelve of its bills and the full House has passed three on the House floor.
SGO, along with many other organizations, opposes the proposed rule and continues to communicate to policymakers its concerns about the negative impact this proposal will have on federal research and public health programs.
When Congress returns from the August recess in September, the House is expected to take up the Senate CR. If the House makes changes to the bill, the two chambers will need to resolve differences before current funding expires on September 30 to prevent a funding lapse and government shutdown.