House and Senate take different paths to avoid shutdown before midterms

Congress faces another potential government shutdown as the House and Senate pursue distinct strategies to avoid one before the midterm elections, according to reports from July 22, 2026. Lawmakers are preparing for a critical funding deadline on October 1, when current government spending authority is set to expire. Despite warnings from both parties about the risks of another shutdown, consensus on how to proceed remains elusive. As of late July, the House was considering a stopgap measure to maintain federal operations through the midterms, while the Senate moved toward its own alternative. The House’s plan, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, aims to provide temporary funding through the election period. However, Democratic leaders have expressed concerns that the proposal is premature and lacks the necessary bipartisan support. In contrast, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has emphasized the need for a bipartisan solution. On July 22, he announced his intention to introduce a separate continuing resolution (CR) before the August recess, which would extend funding beyond the current fiscal year. Thune stated that he has tasked Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, with drafting a “bipartisan and clean” CR. The measure would aim to fund the government until after the midterms, ensuring continued operations during the election season. Thune highlighted the differences in procedural dynamics between the two chambers. While the House operates under a simpler voting structure, the Senate requires a supermajority—60 votes, to pass most legislation. This threshold has made it difficult for Republicans to enact their preferred policies without Democratic backing. Thune acknowledged these challenges, stating that the Senate’s process necessitates collaboration with Democrats, even as the House moves forward with its own strategy. The Senate has played a central role in past government shutdowns. In the fall of 2025, a 43-day shutdown occurred when Democrats leveraged funding decisions to push for changes to healthcare tax credits. Earlier this year, a second shutdown lasting over 70 days followed a dispute over immigration enforcement policies. These episodes have fueled ongoing tensions, with Republicans warning that Democrats could again use funding as a political tool ahead of the midterms. Thune reiterated his belief that the upcoming funding debate offers an opportunity to break from previous patterns. He described the current situation as a chance to “chart a new path,” emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation. He noted that some Democratic senators have indicated they do not wish to see another shutdown, though the extent of their support remains unclear. Senator Collins, who is leading efforts to draft the CR, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement. She told CBS News that Democrats have thus far shown willingness to engage in negotiations. However, the exact terms of the proposed resolution and the level of support from both parties remain uncertain. With the House scheduled to depart for its August recess shortly, the Senate continues to press forward with its own approach. The divergence between the two chambers suggests that the funding debate will likely persist into the fall, leaving the possibility of a government shutdown hanging over the nation. As both sides prepare for the October deadline, the outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the government remains open or faces another disruption ahead of the midterm elections.