Last week, the House passed a short-term continuing resolution (H.R. 6500) extending federal government funding through December 11, 2026. The bill had previously passed the Senate and was signed into law by the President on September 2.

The December 11 deadline gives Congress additional time to complete the FY 2027 appropriations process following the November elections. Congress will need to pass full-year appropriations legislation or another continuing resolution before the December 11 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

Delay of OMB Uniform Guidance Rule

The CR includes a provision delaying the issuance, finalization, and implementation of OMB’s proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance, which governs how federal grants and other financial assistance are administered. The provision prevents the proposed rule from being finalized or taking effect through December 11, 2026. OMB received nearly half a million formal comments, mostly in opposition to the proposed rule, which would allow political appointees to pre-screen applicants to federal assistance on the basis of adherence to presidential executive orders, policies and avoidance of “reputational harm.” Political appointees would also be given the authority to cancel mid-stream federal assistance using similar criteria.

We will keep you informed of further developments on both the CR and OMB’s Uniform Guidance proposed rule.