The Senate pushed through a critical package of spending bills late Friday night, breaking a partisan stalemate that had threatened to derail progress on funding the federal government.
The package includes three major appropriations bills—covering military construction and Veterans’ Affairs, agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the legislative branch. Throughout the week, progress had stalled as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raised objections, putting the bills in jeopardy.
A breakthrough was eventually reached, and following several amendment votes, the final bundle cleared the Senate floor. The bill funding the legislative branch had initially been excluded due to a procedural blockade by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who ultimately allowed it to proceed—though not without registering his disapproval.
Kennedy voiced opposition to that particular measure because it increased congressional spending, which he argued sends the wrong signal.
“I just think we need to set an example, and when we’re increasing our spending 6% and others less,” Kennedy said on the Senate floor. “We’re sending a message that we’re special, and I don’t think we are.”
The legislation now heads to the House, where GOP lawmakers are already voicing frustration that the Senate proposals exceed the spending caps approved in their chamber.
Still, the Senate’s progress represents a significant win for both the Senate Appropriations Committee and Republican leadership. They’ve been working urgently to avoid a potential government shutdown, especially as debate continues over the so-called “big, beautiful bill” and President Donald Trump’s proposed clawback package totaling $9 billion. Notably, this marks the first time since 2018 that the Senate has passed spending bills ahead of September.
“These bills all mean a great deal to each of us,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, addressing colleagues on the floor.
Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warned that GOP attempts to implement the rescissions package would jeopardize efforts to keep the government funded.
With the Sept. 30 deadline looming, both parties are under pressure to either pass full-year funding or agree on a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies running. At least for now, neither side wants to be blamed for derailing the appropriations process.
Even with this progress, unresolved challenges remain. Lawmakers are still struggling to finalize dozens of Trump administration nominees.
President Trump has renewed calls for Senate GOP leaders to cancel the upcoming recess and confirm the more than 150 pending nominees, as Democrats maintain their procedural blockade.
Votes on three of those nominees were scheduled for Friday night, with nearly a dozen more expected to be considered over the weekend—unless Senate leadership can strike a last-minute deal.
