HR 9770 advances FY2027 continuing appropriations, averting shutdown
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Sponsored by Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
Plain-English Summary
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027 This bill provides continuing FY2027 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2027 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of December 4, 2026, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2027 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2027 begins on October 1, 2026. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2026 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility or additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the bill includes exceptions for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Small Business Administration loan programs; the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief Fund; the Indian Health Service; and wildfire suppression activities. In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs, authorities, and restrictions, including the Department of Agriculture’s livestock mandatory price reporting program, the National Flood Insurance Program, limits on pay increases for the Vice President and certain senior political appointees, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the authority to waive certain pay limitations that apply to wildland firefighters and other wildland fire personnel, the authority for the District of Columbia to spend local funds, and the freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for Members of Congress. The bill also provides the customary payments to the beneficiaries of the late Representative David Scott and the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Current Status
Received in the Senate.
What Problem This Addresses
Without a full FY2027 appropriations bill by October 1, 2026, the federal government would face a shutdown. HR 9770 provides a continuing resolution that funds most agencies at FY2026 levels until December 4, 2026 or until a regular appropriations act is enacted. The bill includes targeted funding increases for programs such as WIC, SBA loan initiatives, FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, the Indian Health Service, and wildfire suppression. It also extends expiring authorities like the livestock mandatory price reporting program, the National Flood Insurance Program, TANF, and limits on pay increases for senior officials. By preserving these provisions, the measure aims to maintain continuity of services and avoid interruption to beneficiaries while Congress finalizes the full appropriations package.
Outlook
The House approval by a narrow partisan margin indicates limited bipartisan support, and the bill now awaits Senate consideration. With no co‑sponsors and a similarly divided Senate, passage will likely depend on whether Senate leaders view the CR as sufficient to prevent a shutdown. Historical patterns suggest the Senate may negotiate amendments or attach the measure to a broader appropriations package. Consequently, while the bill is poised to become law if the Senate concurs, there remains a realistic risk of delay or additional legislative maneuvering.
Arguments From Supporters
Proponents argue the CR prevents a government shutdown that would disrupt essential services across the federal government. They highlight the targeted funding for vulnerable populations through WIC and disaster relief via FEMA as critical exceptions to the baseline funding. Extending programs such as TANF and the National Flood Insurance Program preserves established safety nets and avoids gaps in service. The sponsor cites constitutional appropriations authority to ensure continuous funding while Congress completes detailed appropriations.
Arguments From Opponents
Critics may contend that a continuing resolution locks agencies into FY2026 spending levels, limiting flexibility to address emerging priorities or inflationary pressures. Some legislators could object to the extensions of specific programs without a fresh appropriations review, arguing it circumvents normal budget scrutiny. The freeze on cost‑of‑living adjustments for Members of Congress may attract opposition from those who view it as inequitable.
Where Both Sides Agree
Both supporters and likely opponents agree that a government shutdown would be undesirable and that some mechanism is needed to keep federal operations funded. There is consensus that programs such as WIC and disaster relief require uninterrupted funding.
Core Disagreement
The disagreement centers on whether a short‑term continuing resolution is the appropriate tool versus passing full FY2027 appropriations that could adjust spending to current needs. Opponents also question the merit of extending certain authorities without fresh legislative review, while supporters view the extensions as essential continuity.
Constitutional Basis Cited
The sponsor cites Article I, §9, clause 7 and Article I, §8, clause 1 as the constitutional basis, emphasizing Congress’s power of the purse to appropriate funds. No substantive constitutional challenges have been raised to the bill’s provisions.
Economic Considerations
Because the CR largely maintains FY2026 funding levels, its overall fiscal impact is expected to be modest, with incremental costs only for the specified program exceptions and extensions. Extensions such as the WIC supplement, SBA loan programs, and FEMA disaster relief likely add a limited amount of discretionary spending relative to the full appropriations. The freeze on congressional cost‑of‑living adjustments reduces potential outlays, partially offsetting the added expenses. In the absence of an official cost estimate, analysts project the bill’s net effect on the federal budget to be relatively small compared with a full FY2027 appropriations enactment.
Sections beyond the plain-English summary are AI-synthesized analysis based on the sourced legislative record from Congress.gov, read, edited where needed, and approved by a human editor before publication. Full methodology: Editorial & Methodology.
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