AGOA Extension Act

This bill would provide temporary funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown while the annual appropriations process continues. Most programs would be funded at their previous fiscal year levels, with specific exceptions providing additional resources for disaster relief, nutrition assistance, and wildfire suppression. Additionally, the legislation would extend various expiring authorizations for programs related to agriculture, flood insurance, and veterans benefits while maintaining a pay freeze for Members of Congress and senior political appointees.

This bill affects federal agencies and employees whose funding is maintained through the continuing resolution, as well as Members of Congress, the Vice President, and senior political appointees subject to pay freezes. Specific populations impacted include beneficiaries of the WIC program, veterans receiving benefits, and individuals utilizing services from the Indian Health Service and the Small Business Administration. Additionally, the legislation affects industries and entities involved in agriculture, cybersecurity, surface transportation, and international trade with Haiti and sub-Saharan African nations.

• Temporary funding for federal agencies. Provides continuing appropriations for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, to prevent a government shutdown. 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 authorizations. Extends various federal programs and authorities scheduled to expire, including those related to flood insurance, veterans benefits, cybersecurity, and surface transportation.
• Trade preference extensions. Continues existing trade preferences for Haiti and certain countries located in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Regulatory and administrative delays. Temporarily prohibits the implementation of new guidance for federal financial assistance and delays statutory changes to the definition of hemp.
• Pay freezes for senior officials. Extends the freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for Members of Congress and maintains limits on pay increases for the Vice President and specific senior political appointees.

• H.R. 6500, AGOA Extension Act
  Jan 20, 2026 · As passed by the House of Representatives on January 12, 2026

The bill's funding provisions take effect at the start of the 2027 fiscal year on October 1, 2026, and remain in effect until the earlier of December 11, 2026, or the enactment of regular appropriations. Additionally, the bill includes temporary prohibitions on certain regulations and extends various expiring programs and pay freezes for federal officials.

This bill extends existing federal funding levels from fiscal year 2026 into fiscal year 2027 and maintains various expiring authorizations for programs related to agriculture, transportation, and veterans benefits. It also continues statutory freezes on cost-of-living adjustments for Members of Congress and senior political appointees while delaying the implementation of specific regulatory changes regarding federal financial assistance and the definition of hemp.

The bill aims to prevent a federal government shutdown by providing continuing appropriations for agencies through December 11, 2026, while extending various expiring programs and authorities across sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and veterans benefits.