Washington, September 5 — Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) on September 1, 2026, to extend federal funding at current fiscal year 2026 levels through December 11, 2026, averting a government shutdown before the September 30, 2026 deadline. The House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 370 to 48, following the Senate’s passage in August by a vote of 90 to 6, with the legislation now heading to the president’s desk for signature. This move avoids a government shutdown.
The CR also blocks a proposed rule by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) until December 11, 2026, which would have allowed political appointees to terminate grants for political reasons, potentially harming critical services for community college students. The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has provided analysis and formal comments on the OMB rule, highlighting the potential consequences for community college students.
The ACCT is urging community college advocates to contact their House members and Senators to support top community college priorities. Jonathan Elkin is the Director of Government Relations at ACCT.
Annual Appropriations Bills
The House and Senate are working to advance the 12 annual appropriations bills that would determine government funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2027. In June 2026, the House Appropriations Committee passed a Republican-only bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, which protects the Pell Grant but includes other critical cuts affecting community college students. The Senate has yet to reach a bipartisan agreement on top-line spending levels for defense and nondefense before releasing its individual funding bills.
The ACCT has published a detailed program table on the latest education and labor spending bill, providing insight into the potential implications for community colleges.
What This Signals
The passage of the CR and the blocking of the proposed OMB rule signal a shift in the calculus of government funding and priorities. As the administration navigates the complex landscape of federal funding, community colleges and their advocates will be watching closely to see how the upcoming appropriations bills will impact their interests. What this signals for the future of community colleges and federal funding is a complex issue, with the outcome hanging in the balance as lawmakers continue to negotiate and advocate for their priorities.
As the deadline for the appropriations bills approaches, all eyes will be on Washington to see how the situation unfolds.
