# Congress Weighs Federal Funding Priorities

Congress returns after the November 3 election with roughly 25 working days before the 119th Congress ends and a crowded lame-duck agenda that includes appropriations, the National Defense Authorization Act, nominations, and expiring authorities. The continuing resolution funds the government through December 12, with December 11 identified as a key legislative deadline; lawmakers may extend the CR or pursue a broader funding package. No specific solicitation or award is identified, but funding decisions or delays could affect agency budgets and procurement schedules.

- Contractors whose work depends on federal appropriations can assess which programs and procurement timelines are exposed to a CR extension or a delayed funding agreement.
- Procurement teams should account for the two funding scenarios identified in the signal—another CR extension or a broader package—when planning upcoming agency work and business forecasts.
- **Key deadline:** December 11, 2026, is 45 days from the current date; the CR runs through December 12.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Congress (Congress)
- U.S. House of Representatives (House)
- U.S. Senate (Senate)

### Key Quotes
> I do think that spending is going to be pretty top of mind,
> — Loren Duggan, Bloomberg Government guest

### Sources
- [
        A lot can happen in 25 working days. Congress will have to decide what deserves attention first once lawmakers return after the election - Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/podcast/federal-drive-with-terry-gerton-podcast/a-lot-can-happen-in-25-working-days-congress-will-have-to-decide-what-deserves-attention-first-once-lawmakers-return-after-the-election) - Federal News Network
- [
        With 25 days left on the clock after elections, Congress has to decide what gets done first - Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/congress/2026/10/with-25-days-left-on-the-clock-after-elections-congress-has-to-decide-what-gets-done-first) - Federal News Network