Dec 17, 2025
Since the U.S. government reopened on November 12, 2025, Congress has yet to reach an agreement on funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). The government reopened under a Continuing Resolution (CR) that provided flat funding for most federal agencies through January 30, including continued funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline).
While bipartisan conversations in the House and Senate have continued in fits and starts, the major obstacle that led to the government shutdown remains unresolved, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits are still set to expire on December 31, 2025.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R – SD) and Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R – ME) would like to pass the annual appropriations bills before the January 30 deadline, but Sen. Thune warns that the politics that led to the shutdown this Fall could impact the appropriations process again in the new year.
Chair Collins has proposed moving forward with a package of five appropriations bills, known as a “minibus.” This package would include the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) bill, which provides funding for the 988 Lifeline through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). At this time, no votes are scheduled to advance the minibus before the end of the current legislative session, meaning the Senate will need to take up FY26 funding in the new year.
