The federal government has reopened after a 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. On November 12, President Donald Trump signed legislation funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. The same measure provides temporary funding for other federal agencies through January 2026.
© Florida Farm Bureau
With USDA and FDA fully funded for the year, these agencies will not be affected by any additional shutdowns that may occur during fiscal year 2026. The USDA funding package also includes a one-year extension of Farm Bill programs not covered under the broader legislation passed earlier in the year. This extension maintains the operation of agricultural, conservation, and nutrition programs while Congress works toward long-term Farm Bill reauthorization.
The Senate approved the reopening bill on November 10 after 14 unsuccessful votes, with eight Democrats joining Republicans in a 60–40 vote. The agreement included commitments to hold a mid-December vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies, provide back pay to federal employees who missed paychecks, and rehire workers terminated at the start of the shutdown.
Following Senate passage, the House returned to Washington for the first time since approving a clean Continuing Resolution in September. On November 12, the House voted 222–209 to send the legislation to the President and restore government operations through January 30.
With the shutdown concluded, congressional attention is expected to shift to healthcare policy and the remaining fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills. USDA and FDA operations will continue as normal, maintaining continuity for agricultural and food-related services.
For more information:
Rachael Smith
Florida Farm Bureau
Tel: +1 352 374 1521
Email: [email protected]
www.floridafarmbureau.org
