Federal Advocacy Update, Week of November 10, 2025
House and Senate Action
House
The House is not in session, but members are expected to come into session later this week for a vote to reopen the government. Lawmakers will be given 36 hours notice before a vote in the chamber.
Senate
The Senate convened for a rare weekend session as negotiations continued on a bipartisan funding package to end the shutdown. Once the proposal advances, the chamber is expected to adjourn for the Veterans Day recess.
Shutdown Talks Advance as Senate Moves Toward Compromise
With the federal shutdown now in its 41st day, lawmakers are edging closer to a deal to reopen the government. Late Sunday night, the Senate voted 60–40 to advance a bipartisan funding package that would extend current government funding through January 30 while providing full-year appropriations for three (of the 12) fiscal year 2026 spending bills - covering Agriculture, Military Construction–Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch.
The vote met the 60-vote threshold required to proceed, with eight Democrats joining all but one Republican in support. It should be noted that Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voted against advancing the package.
Among other things, the emerging compromise would reverse recent federal “Reduction in Force” actions, temporarily prohibit additional layoffs, and ensure retroactive pay for federal employees furloughed during the shutdown.
No Deal on Affordable Care Act Enhanced Subsidies
It does not include an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which have been a central point of contention throughout the negotiations. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has committed to scheduling a vote on the ACA subsidies by mid-December. Under the Senate framework, Democrats would also be able to determine which bill would come before the chamber for a vote.
For his part, Minority Leader Schumer has put forward a one-year extension of the ACA premium tax credits that would maintain existing subsidy levels without adding new eligibility restrictions. His proposal would also create a bipartisan working group to develop a longer-term reform plan.
Separately, Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Sam Liccardo (D-CA) have introduced a bipartisan proposal that would extend the enhanced subsidies for two years. Their measure would offset costs by capping eligibility at six times the federal poverty level, increasing penalties on brokers who submit false enrollment applications, and tightening oversight of Medicare Advantage “upcoding” practices.
Outlook
While senators hope to finalize the package before the Veterans Day holiday, passage could be delayed until later in the week. If approved, the bill would move to the House, where its consideration and prospects for passage remain uncertain. Progressives, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), have signaled opposition to any funding package that does not directly include an extension of the ACA subsidies.
Summary of Key Provisions in Compromise Funding Package
Provides temporary funding for most federal departments/agencies through January 30, 2026.
Provides full year spending levels for three fiscal year 2026 spending bills:
Funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and child nutrition programs through September 30, 2026.
Extends key Farm Bill programs for one year.
Prevents the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp products online, in gas stations, and corner stores.
Ensures that federal employees who were furloughed will receive retroactive pay.
Returns to status quo workforce levels prior to the current lapse of appropriations.
Extends the authorization for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grants for the duration of the CR.
A section-by-section summary of the legislation is available here.
Relevant Hearings and Markups
Senate Special Committee on Aging
Thursday, November 13 | 9 a.m. PT | The panel will hold a field hearing in Pacific Palisades, California, entitled "Forgotten After the Flames: Stories from the Palisades Fire."