Democrats see wins in funding stopgap, but expect future spending fight

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The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 03, 2026

The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 03, 2026

The Senate on Monday advanced a bipartisan bill to fund the government at current levels through Dec. 11 with strong support from both parties, a break from the bitter fights that dominated recent funding cycles. 

Democrats have opposed similar efforts in recent years, either to avoid ceding power to Republicans and President Trump or in a bid to advance their own priorities in must-pass funding bills. The battles led to back-to-back record-breaking government shutdowns. 

But nearly all Democrats voted for this stopgap bill, called a continuing resolution (CR) — and did so several months in advance of the usual last-minute scramble before the Sept. 30 funding deadline.

Those voting no were Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who caucuses with Democrats, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who typically opposes CRs, also voted no.

Senate leaders said they hope to send the measure to the House before leaving for a month-long recess at the end of the week, and the strong bipartisan support on Monday pointed to a desire from lawmakers in both parties to avoid another funding lapse just weeks before a crucial election.

Democratic leaders also said their caucus generally backed the bill, the result of a deal between the top appropriators in both parties, because it contains efforts to block some Trump administration moves.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, told reporters Monday night that she wanted to buy time to finish the full-year government........

© The Hill