Shutdown: You Don’t Have to Pass These Bills to Know What’s In Them

After weeks of shutdown brinkmanship, Washington has reached a standoff over how to reopen the federal government. Both parties have filed their own bills — and the differences go far beyond how long to keep the lights on. One side calls its plan a safety net; the other calls it a spending spree.

Shutdown: What Democrats and Republicans Each Want

After weeks of Washington finger-pointing, both sides now have a plan to reopen the government — but the two bills couldn’t be more different.

Democrats say theirs protects families and stability.
Republicans say it’s loaded with extras that have nothing to do with keeping the lights on.

The Democrats’ Bill – S. 2882

The “Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026” funds government operations through October 31, 2025, but it stretches far beyond a normal stopgap.

The Democrats’ Bill – S.2882
“Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026”
Funds the government through October 31, 2025 — but extends into broader policy territory.

What’s in it:

• Health-Care Boosts: Permanently expands ACA tax credits, restores Medicaid funding.

• Nutrition: $8.2 billion for WIC to prevent benefit cuts.

• New Oversight: Creates a White House Budget Inspector General ($20 million).

• Public Broadcasting: $491 million for PBS/NPR.

• Security: More money for Supreme Court and Capitol Police protection.

• Foreign Aid: $437 million for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

• California Water Project: $2.6 million for Bay-Delta restoration.

• Forest Rule Change: Keeps an expiring timber regulation alive indefinitely.

• Housing Grants: Requires HUD to renew homelessness grants automatically.

• Member Clauses: Death benefits for three members; no pay raise for current ones.

Critics call the 170-page bill “a wish list disguised as a rescue plan.”
Supporters say it safeguards essential programs.

Read the Democratic bill (S. 2882)

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The Republicans’ Bill – H.R. 5371

Republicans want a “Clean CR” – a “clean” continuing resolution, the “Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026,” which funds the government only through November 21, 2025.

What it does:

• Keeps spending at FY 2025 levels.

• Adds no new programs and no policy riders.

• Includes no foreign aid or domestic extras.

• Buys time for negotiation of a full-year budget.

Republicans call it a “clean CR.” Democrats say it leaves critical protections hanging.

Read the Republican bill (H.R. 5371)

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The dueling proposals set up a high-stakes vote — one that will decide not just when the government reopens, but which priorities make the cut when it does. November 1st looms not only for SNAP, but also open enrollment.

November 1 is also the start of Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans — and the shutdown situation could affect it in several ways, depending on whether Congress acts. People have until Jan. 1st for final decisions.

Air-Traffic Controllers & Aviation

• Essential workers such as air-traffic controllers (ATCs) and agents at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are required to continue working without pay during the shutdown.

Military / Armed Forces

• Under current law (Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019), military and federal employees who are required to work during a shutdown are guaranteed back-pay once the shutdown ends.