Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027

This bill would provide temporary funding for federal agencies through December 4, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year. While most programs would continue at their previous funding levels, the legislation proposes additional funding flexibility for specific areas such as disaster relief, nutrition assistance for women and children, and wildfire suppression. Additionally, the bill would extend various expiring authorities, including the National Flood Insurance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

This bill affects federal agencies and personnel, including wildland firefighters, senior political appointees, and Members of Congress whose pay or cost-of-living adjustments are regulated. Beneficiaries of various federal programs are impacted, specifically those enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Indian Health Service. Additionally, the legislation affects small business owners seeking loans, participants in the National Flood Insurance Program, and the beneficiaries of the late Representative David Scott and late Senator Lindsey Graham.

• Temporary funding for federal agencies. Provides continuing appropriations for federal agencies through December 4, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown at the start of the fiscal year. Most programs are funded at fiscal year 2026 levels until regular appropriations acts are signed into law.
• Funding flexibility for specific programs. Includes exceptions to standard funding levels for several priority areas, such as the Disaster Relief Fund, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and wildfire suppression activities.
• Extension of expiring programs and authorities. Extends the authorization for various federal initiatives, including the National Flood Insurance Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and livestock mandatory price reporting.
• Pay and cost-of-living restrictions. Maintains existing freezes on cost-of-living adjustments for Members of Congress and continues limits on pay increases for the Vice President and certain senior political appointees.
• Customary payments to beneficiaries. Authorizes standard payments to the beneficiaries of the late Representative David Scott and the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

The bill's funding provisions take effect at the start of the 2027 fiscal year on October 1, 2026, and remain in effect until December 4, 2026, or until regular appropriations are enacted. The bill also includes extensions for various programs and authorities that would otherwise expire at the end of the preceding fiscal year.

This bill maintains federal agency operations by extending funding levels established in fiscal year 2026 and continues several expiring authorities, including the National Flood Insurance Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and the Department of Agriculture’s livestock mandatory price reporting program. It also sustains existing restrictions on pay increases for Members of Congress, the Vice President, and certain senior political appointees.

The bill aims to prevent a federal government shutdown by providing continuing appropriations for agencies and programs through December 4, 2026, or until regular fiscal year 2027 funding is enacted. It also seeks to maintain government operations by extending various expiring authorities and programs, such as the National Flood Insurance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.