119-hr-5371119th CongressWALLET

Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]

Became Law

Summary

Continued FY2026 funding and program extensions. This law keeps many federal programs funded at FY2025 rates through January 30, 2026 and packages detailed appropriations and policy changes across Agriculture, FDA, the Legislative Branch, Defense construction, and Veterans Affairs.

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Families and children get tightened nutrition support and school-meal funding. Child nutrition programs receive $37.8 billion and SNAP operations are funded at about $107.5 billion, with targeted grants for school meals and improved WIC support mechanisms.
Rural households, small towns, and farmers receive housing, loan, and connectivity help. The bill funds $1.7 billion for rural rental assistance, expands Rural Housing loan authorities, and funds a broadband pilot (about $50.8 million) that targets unserved areas and sets buildout standards.
Veterans, VA users, and military communities see major health and construction support. A $52.7 billion Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund is established and VA receives billions more for homelessness programs, telehealth, caregivers, and medical facility projects (including about $3.5 billion for homelessness and related services).

*Budget scoring for Divisions B–G is excluded from PAYGO scorecards and certain scoring rules, so those budgetary effects are not entered on the standard PAYGO or allocation scorecards.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

85 provisions identified: 51 benefits, 14 costs, 20 mixed.

SNAP and other benefits keep running

SNAP and other mandatory benefits continue at current levels through January 30, 2026. Payments due around the first of a month after October 2025 can still be paid up to 30 days after January 30, 2026. This keeps checks flowing on time.

More VA health funding and faster service

VA sets FY2026 funding for many programs, including $3.5 billion for Caregivers and $6.356 billion for telehealth. It also funds homelessness help, suicide prevention, PTSD, neurology centers, rural health, opioids, and intimate partner violence services. VA must keep enough staff to meet a 125-day goal to decide benefit claims and give timely care. The Veterans Crisis Line must meet professional standards and cannot cut staffing, hours, or services. Chapter 31 rehabilitation caseloads are capped at 125 veterans per full-time staff equivalent, with a report due in 180 days.

Shifts $2.03B to VA facilities

The law moves $2.03 billion from VA Medical Services to VA Medical Facilities from funds available October 1, 2025. This supports construction, maintenance, and capital projects that help veterans get care. VA also cannot reprogram major construction funds above a $7 million cumulative total without approval from both Appropriations Committees.

Short-term funding for key health programs

The law funds community health centers ($1.423 billion), the National Health Service Corps ($115 million), and Teaching Health Centers ($58.5 million) from Oct. 1, 2025 to Jan. 30, 2026. It gives $53,145,205 each to the Special Diabetes Program and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, available until spent. HHS gets $14 million to run and enforce the No Surprises Act during this period. Medicare hospice surveys get $2 million for Oct. 1, 2025 through Jan. 30, 2026. Aging outreach also gets short-term funds to help seniors and people with disabilities.

VA fertility treatment and adoption help

The VA pays for fertility counseling and assisted reproductive technology for covered veterans and their spouses. A covered veteran has a service‑connected disability that prevents procreation without treatment. ART includes embryo freezing and storage with no time limit. The VA can also reimburse covered veterans for adoption costs under Department of Defense terms.

More housing help for low‑income veterans

For FY2026, the law provides $660 million for supportive services for very low‑income veteran families in permanent housing. Funds pay for services like case management and housing supports for eligible veteran households.

More USDA rural home and rental loans

For FY2026, USDA sets loan and grant levels across rural housing programs. Examples: $1.0 billion for Section 502 direct home loans (with subsidies), $50 million for Section 515 rental housing, and $400 million for Section 538 guaranteed multifamily loans. It also funds repair loans, self‑help site loans, farm labor housing loans and grants, and credit sales. Some subsidy funds stay available through September 30, 2027 or until spent. Program eligibility rules still apply.

Temporary stop to federal layoffs (RIFs)

From enactment through January 30, 2026, agencies cannot initiate or carry out civilian reductions‑in‑force. Any RIF notices issued between October 1, 2025 and enactment must be rescinded. Affected employees return to their September 30, 2025 status with backpay. Agencies must notify affected employees and Congress within 5 days.

More money for military construction

The law provides $185.5 million for military construction: $144 million for the Army, $15.5 million for the Army National Guard, $11 million for the Air National Guard, and $15 million for the Army Reserve. Funds are available until September 30, 2030 and may be used only for projects on the services’ FY2025 or FY2026 unfunded priority lists. Projects need authorization, and each service must send a spending plan within 60 days.

Public health emergency powers extended

National health security and preparedness authorities continue through January 30, 2026. This keeps federal tools ready to prepare for and respond to public health threats.

Rural Development funds and hospital pilot

Rural Development gets $312 million for operations, with at least $75 million for information technology that stays available until spent. The law also provides $2 million for a pilot to help rural hospitals improve long‑term operations and keep maternal care access through technical help.

Keep Air Force and Navy programs moving

The law frees up funding to keep the Air Force E‑7 Wedgetail rapid prototyping on schedule, including a $200 million transfer. It also lets Navy shipbuilding funds be used to finish prior‑year ships, with listed amounts like $150 million for the Carrier Replacement Program and $121.538 million for Virginia‑class submarines. This supports program schedules and the move to production.

Food safety agency funded and staffed

The Food Safety and Inspection Service gets $1.2152 billion for FY2026. At least 148 full‑time positions must focus only on Humane Methods of Slaughter Act inspections in FY2026. $1 million in lab accreditation fee receipts is added to the account, and some public health data funds stay available until spent.

Keeps government open and pay flowing

The law keeps funding going at 2025 levels for programs that ran in 2025. Money stays available until a new 2026 bill funds the project, the 2026 bill leaves it out, or January 30, 2026. Agencies can spread pay funds to avoid furloughs, after cutting non‑pay admin costs. If a State or grantee advanced its own money during a lapse, the Federal Government must reimburse those costs with interest, and furloughed workers are paid their standard rate.

Tougher rules on VA partial claims

If you default on a VA partial claim, you owe the VA for its loss and must repay it before your VA home loan entitlement is restored. The VA can charge fees and interest on these defaults. The law also changes some timelines to 180 days, treats partial claim payments as advances in liquidation sales, and says a proper non‑judicial sale can discharge the partial claim interest. VA can issue guidance before formal rules.

New one-time fee on guaranteed business loans

The Secretary may charge a one‑time fee up to 3% of the guaranteed principal on any Business and Industry guaranteed loan. This authority applies now and ends January 30, 2026.

More VA health care and benefits

The law funds VA medical services with $59.858 billion for Oct 1, 2026–Sept 30, 2027, plus reimbursements, and keeps $2 billion available through Sept 30, 2028. It also adds $5.85 billion now and $246.630525 billion starting Oct 1, 2026 for VA compensation and pensions, both available until spent. It cancels $15.889 billion of certain FY2025 medical‑services funds. VA must prioritize care for veterans with service‑connected disabilities, low income, or special needs and groups 1–6, ensure prosthetics for female veterans, and may let enrolled veterans fill privately written prescriptions at VHA pharmacies at no extra VA cost.

More APHIS funding but higher service fees

APHIS gets $1.157 billion, with many funds available until spent, to run animal and plant health work. In FY2026, APHIS can charge fees to recover the full cost of technical help, goods, or services it provides. FSIS can charge plants for inspection outside approved shifts and on federal holidays. APHIS funds in this Act cannot be used for a brucellosis eradication program unless states pay at least 40% of costs.

VA EHR funds with strict guardrails

The law provides $3.4 billion for the VA electronic health record through September 30, 2028. But 30% stays on hold until July 1, 2026, and is released only if the VA sends Congress by June 1, 2026 a full cost and rollout plan and certifies at least four straight safe deployments. The VA must also send quarterly reports. Separately, the VA can use leftover construction funds for a facility after it notifies House and Senate Appropriations or waits 30 days, and shows local partners tried cost‑saving steps.

Farm Bill programs extended into 2026

Farm Bill authorities in place on September 30, 2025 continue at least through September 30, 2026, with specific adjustments. The law extends the dairy forward pricing program into 2029 and suspends certain permanent price support rules for 2026 crops and milk through December 31, 2026. Discretionary programs still need appropriations to operate.

Medicare telehealth stays through Jan 2026

Medicare keeps expanded telehealth rules until January 30–31, 2026. This includes no geographic limits, more sites and practitioners, and audio-only visits. Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics may keep doing telehealth. Acute Hospital Care at Home also stays in place through January 30, 2026, so some patients can get hospital-level care at home.

More VA care and support in 2026

VA must keep providing certain nursing home care to eligible veterans through September 30, 2026. VA treatment and services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans continue through September 30, 2026. The suicide prevention grant program runs through September 30, 2026. VA may use Medical Services funds in FY2026–FY2027 to run and expand VA child care. For FY2026–FY2027, VA can use Medical Community Care funds for costs otherwise paid from the Veterans Choice Fund, helping keep community care options.

Part D antivirals covered to Jan 2026

Medicare Part D keeps certain oral antiviral drugs covered through January 30, 2026. This helps Part D enrollees keep access and may lower out-of-pocket costs during this period.

Protects VA access, screenings, and transport

VA cannot use this money to increase wait times for care. From Oct 1, 2018 to Jan 1, 2027, VA must follow its May 10, 2017 breast cancer screening guidance. VA cannot close facilities or cut services in a planned realignment until it reports rural travel distances, transportation costs, and local care availability to Congress. From Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2026, VA cannot enforce its 2023 rule changing special‑transportation rates.

Support for rural and hospital Medicare pay

Medicare keeps several payment boosts into 2026–2027. Ambulance add-on payments run through January 31, 2026. The Work Geographic Index Floor also stays through January 31, 2026. Medicare‑Dependent Hospital rules are extended to January 31, 2026, and hospitals may decline reclassification for Oct 1, 2025–Jan 30, 2026. Low‑volume hospital payment adjustments continue for Jan 31–Sept 30, 2026 and into FY2027.

Funds for dairy innovation and cotton

The law provides $211.367 million to the Agricultural Marketing Service. It includes $13.75 million that stays available until spent to carry out section 12513, with $11.25 million for regional dairy business innovation split equally among three regions. It also provides $4 million for cotton classing, available through September 30, 2027.

More flex for SBA and USDA loans

SBA can spread available loan funds to meet higher demand for 7(a), trust certificate, 503, and 303(b) guarantees through January 30, 2026. The Agriculture Secretary can raise program levels by up to 25% for certain loans and guarantees that do not need budget authority, with 15 days’ advance notice to Congress, also through January 30, 2026.

More rural business grants and set asides

More Rural Business Development Grants are set aside, including about $9.953 million for FY2026, until spent. At least 10% of certain USDA direct loans and grants must go to persistent‑poverty counties, including U.S. territories. The Institute for Rural Partnerships gets $5.25 million, with admin fees capped at 1%, and must publish an annual report. USDA can use leftover 2017 funds for planning, building, repairs, and some land buys. Processors of invasive, wild‑caught catfish can get $2 million in grants.

Protections and openings in VA contracts

VA cannot spend money to cancel a contract over $10 million until it notifies Congress and explains how it will replace the service. The VA can convert certain work to contractors when a firm is at least 51% owned by Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations. The temporary licensure clarification for contractor medical professionals who perform VA disability exams is extended from five to six years.

Protects interstate transport and sale of hemp

Federal funds in this law cannot be used to block the transportation, processing, sale, or use of hemp or hemp seeds grown under federal and state programs allowed by law. This protection applies both inside and outside the state where the hemp was grown.

More security funds for Senate and Marshals

The law adds $18.5 million for Senate security programs, State office security, and residential systems. It adds $75 million for Senators’ offices to spend equally on security in FY2026, with rules for unused funds. It also provides $30 million for U.S. Marshals Service protective operations, available through September 30, 2027.

More oversight of VA funds and transfers

VA must submit a plan for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund within 30 days and send quarterly status reports. For FY2026, VA can only shift money between the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and VBA General Operating Expenses after Appropriations Committee approval. Certain VA‑related corporate funds from 2017–2018 stay available to pay valid past obligations if the Secretary decides they are needed. Money in the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund cannot be moved to other VA accounts.

Extend youth and family education grants

The law extends timing and funding for sexual risk avoidance education, personal responsibility education, and family‑to‑family health information centers. It covers 2025 and October 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026, with pro‑rata funding for that short period. References to fiscal year 2026 are updated where needed.

USDA oversight and local office safeguards

USDA cannot close NRCS or Rural Development offices, or move staff so an office has two or fewer people, without prior notice and approval from both Appropriations Committees. USDA must also send Congress a detailed report on community project funding status, including unobligated and deobligated amounts, reasons, the year funds were provided, and how long they are available. That report is due with the FY2027 budget or by February 15, 2026, whichever comes first.

USDA must publish foreign animal audits

USDA must audit foreign countries’ animal health systems, including disease history, vaccination, traceability, labs, and emergency response, as applicable. Final reports must be made public and follow U.S. trade obligations.

Funds for Treasury terrorism finance office

The law provides $237.662 million for the Treasury Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence as the rate for operations during this period, through January 30, 2026.

VA care needs your other insurer info

During fiscal year 2026, VA funds are not available for hospital, nursing home, or medical care for certain non‑service‑connected conditions unless you give current, accurate third‑party payer information in the form VA requires. If you do not disclose it, VA can bill you and recover reasonable charges. VA can use recovered amounts to pay for prior‑year care when the money is received.

Cap on repairs to officer housing

Operation and maintenance funds are the only source for repairs to Defense family housing. For general or flag officer quarters, no more than $35,000 per unit per year can be spent without prior notice to Congress (30 days, or 14 days if electronic). After‑the‑fact notice is allowed only for unexpected environmental cleanup costs. The Pentagon must report each year on these expenses by unit.

10% cap on USDA nonprofit overhead

For USDA cooperative agreements with nonprofits to carry out programs of mutual interest, this law caps indirect cost payments at 10% of total direct costs. The cap runs through September 30, 2026. It does not block appropriate indirect payments on grants and contracts when computed on a similar basis across agencies funded by this Act.

Stricter rules for federal IT buys and awards

Agencies cannot buy new IT systems or big upgrades without CIO approval and board concurrence. No IT obligations over $25,000 before written CIO approval, unless the CIO allows up to $250,000 based on performance. Agencies cannot pay award or incentive fees to poorly performing contractors unless limited exceptions apply and awards follow the FAR.

Tighter rules on DoD construction fees

DoD funds cannot pay cost‑plus‑fixed‑fee construction contracts over $25,000 for work in the U.S. (except Alaska) without the Secretary of Defense’s written approval. The approval must state the reasons.

VA bans IT buys from restricted companies

In fiscal year 2026, the VA cannot buy office IT gear (like computers, printers, or videoconferencing equipment) from companies on certain federal restricted lists. The ban covers direct VA purchases and buys made through contractors. Cloud services are not covered.

Cancel unused funds in several accounts

The law permanently cancels $350 million from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund by September 30, 2026. It also rescinds $150 million in prior‑year unobligated balances from specific USDA and related accounts, excluding emergency‑designated funds.

Defense funds can’t start new production

Through January 30, 2026, Defense funding under the continuing resolution cannot start new production not funded in FY2025, raise production rates above FY2025 levels, or start projects that lacked FY2025 funds. Multi‑year buys using advance money for economic order quantities are barred unless Congress later provides specific funding.

New rules for rural housing loans

USDA rural multifamily loans under sections 514 and 515 now follow the Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act procedures. When Rural Housing Service sets eligibility or assistance levels, it must not count people in prison in local population totals. These changes apply upon enactment.

Temporary safe harbor for 'healthy' labels

From December 27, 2024 until FDA’s compliance date, food makers and retailers can keep using the old federal rules for implied “healthy” claims. During this period, States cannot enforce different rules that are not the same as the old or new federal standards.

New court and notice rules for Senators

If a provider or Senate office system gets a legal demand for Senate data, they must tell the Senate office in writing and cannot be punished for giving that notice. If a Senator is a target in a criminal probe, a court can delay that notice for up to 60 days, and renew it, to protect the case. A Senator can sue the United States for violations and can win the greater of $500,000 or actual damages per instance, plus fees and possible court orders, within five years of first actual notice. Immunity defenses do not apply.

OTC reviews add real‑world and non‑animal tests

Starting October 1, 2025, FDA must accept real‑world evidence for some nonprescription topical ingredients and consider non‑animal tests. HHS must issue draft guidance on non‑animal testing within 1 year and guidance on nonprescription standards within 18 months. FDA adds new OTC metrics to its yearly report and posts meeting minutes within 30 days; GAO reports on the OTC supply chain by September 30, 2027. OTC user fees cover fiscal years 2026–2030, and that fee authority ends on October 1, 2030. Final sunscreen orders must weigh past safety data and the role of SPF 15+ broad‑spectrum sunscreens in preventing skin cancer.

Pause on some FDA food safety rules

The law stops FDA from enforcing a produce safety rule upon enactment and delays enforcement of certain food traceability rules until July 20, 2028. FDA must meet quarterly with farms, restaurants, retail food businesses, and warehouses and give industry recommendations within 180 days. FDA will also help with food waste recovery and reclamation. The law also blocks funding for federal horse inspections and related enforcement.

Buy American for rural water projects

Public water and wastewater projects funded under listed rural programs must use U.S.‑made iron and steel. The Secretary can waive the rule if it is not in the public interest, products are not available or high enough quality, or it would raise total project cost by more than 25%. Waiver requests are posted for at least 15 days. Up to 0.25% of funds may be used for oversight. Projects with approved plans before enactment are exempt.

Alcohol advice in 2025 follows Academies report

When writing the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the government must rely only on the National Academies’ report on alcohol. The alcohol guidance must reflect the best scientific and medical knowledge.

Limits on VA research with dogs and primates

VA research starting on or after July 1, 2025 cannot use dogs, cats, or non‑human primates unless the VA Secretary personally approves it and certifies scientific need, combat‑related benefit, policy consistency, and ethical safeguards. Reports and voluntary USDA inspections start December 31, 2025. VA must plan to end this research by September 20, 2026.

Mixed changes to Medicare quality and funds

The law adds $13.3 million in FY2026 for groups that endorse, advise on, and select Medicare quality measures. It also reduces the Medicare Improvement Fund amount from $1.804 billion to $1.403 billion and shifts the cited year to FY2027.

PAYGO scorecards reset and exclusions apply

The budget effects of this law’s listed divisions are not entered on PAYGO scorecards. When the first session of the 119th Congress adjourns, PAYGO balances are set to zero. This changes how Congress tracks and enforces budget offsets.

Agriculture joins reviews of foreign farm deals

The Agriculture Secretary joins case‑by‑case national security reviews (CFIUS) for covered deals involving agricultural land, ag biotech, or the agriculture industry. The Secretary should alert CFIUS to risky land deals, especially by foreign governments or entities of concern.

USDA covers Tribal bison inspection fees

USDA provides $700,000 to cover slaughter, processing, and voluntary inspection fees for bison owned by Tribal governments, Tribal entities, and Tribal members. The help applies at establishments with USDA voluntary or State inspection. This takes effect upon enactment.

VA cannot gag you in settlements

If you settle a dispute or claim with the VA, the agreement cannot stop you from talking to Members of Congress or their staff. This protection covers any topic not barred by law or required by Executive order to be secret.

More local care for rural Alaska veterans

VA can contract with Alaska Federally Qualified Health Centers and Tribal health groups to serve veterans in rural Alaska. Care can include behavioral health and dental care. Veterans and facilities must follow VA rules. Rural Alaska excludes Anchorage and the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

More menu flexibility at school breakfast

For school years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027, schools can substitute any vegetable subgroup for fruit in the School Breakfast Program. The law blocks funds from being used to limit that option.

SNAP stores keep older variety rules

USDA cannot enforce the stricter 2016 SNAP item‑variety rule until it raises the number of acceptable items. Until then, USDA must apply the pre‑2014 variety and breadth‑of‑stock rules. This helps keep more stores participating for SNAP shoppers.

VA keeps Philippines office through 2026

VA’s authority to operate a regional office in the Philippines runs through September 30, 2026. Veterans who use that office keep access to its services.

WIC milk amounts set for 2026

For FY2026, WIC monthly fluid milk amounts are: Package IV = 16 quarts; V = 22 quarts; VI = 16 quarts; VII = 24 quarts. Package III must match the changes to IV–VII.

Pilot to preserve rural rental housing

USDA provides $2 million, available until spent, for a pilot to help keep Rural Housing Service multifamily properties affordable. Grants go to qualified nonprofits and public housing authorities for technical, financial, and legal help, including for decoupling rental assistance. The Secretary picks at‑risk areas and sets how long properties must stay in the program.

Veteran housing help extended one year

Help for specially adapted housing and assistive technology for veterans runs through September 30, 2026. Aid for disabled veterans living temporarily in family‑owned homes is also extended through September 30, 2026. Grants that support homeless women veterans, homeless veterans with children, and homeless veterans with special needs continue into 2026.

Extra premium pay for APHIS responders

APHIS employees responding to plant or animal emergency outbreaks can receive premium pay above normal caps. The APHIS Administrator must declare the emergency response. This applies upon enactment.

More time to restore GI Bill benefits

Veterans affected by school closures or disapprovals have until September 30, 2026 for entitlement restoration. This extends the prior deadline by one year.

Money for Water Bank farm agreements

The law provides $2 million, available until spent, to carry out non‑renewable Water Bank Act agreements on eligible lands, including flooded farm land. The Agriculture Secretary decides which lands are eligible.

No new USDA user fees till Jan 2026

USDA cannot create new user fees under 31 U.S.C. 9701 through January 30, 2026, unless another law already allows it. This limits new costs for businesses that interact with USDA.

Funds available for Army national cemeteries

Money in the special account under 10 U.S.C. 7727 is available until spent to support Army National Military Cemeteries. The law does not set a total dollar amount here.

One-time grants for emergency pet housing

The law gives $3 million as a one‑time grant to support emergency and transitional pet shelter and housing assistance. The funds are available upon enactment.

Stronger watchdog access, no lobbying with funds

Agencies funded by this law cannot use money to lobby Congress on bills or spending. Inspectors General must get timely access to records, and must report to Congress within five days if blocked. Legal exceptions that expressly limit IG access still apply.

Tighter controls on overseas food aid

Food for Peace funds may be used only where monitoring and controls ensure food reaches people in need and is not diverted. The Administrator must determine controls are adequate before aid is provided.

Blocks heritable human embryo research trials

Agencies cannot acknowledge or allow investigational submissions for research that intentionally creates or modifies human embryos with heritable genetic changes. Such submissions are treated as not received.

Expand broadband pilot to rural‑in‑character areas

USDA may treat “Areas Rural in Character” as eligible for a broadband pilot under the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program. Up to 10% of pilot funds may be used this way. This applies upon enactment.

Stronger VA oversight and program stability

Quarterly briefings on toxic‑exposure presumptions continue through December 31, 2026. In FY2026, VA cannot convert specific‑purpose programs from FY2025 into general‑purpose funding without 30 days’ written notice and approval by both Appropriations Committees.

Tennessee hospital DSH funds for early 2026

Tennessee’s Medicaid DSH allotment is $17.748 million for Oct 1, 2025–Jan 30, 2026. The state may claim this as FY2026 uncompensated care. Some DSH reduction rules are delayed to Jan 31, 2026 and later.

VA hospital and nursing home copays continue

VA keeps its authority to collect copays for hospital and nursing home care through September 30, 2026. Copay rates do not change under this law.

Caps DoD land purchase prices

DoD generally may not pay more than 100% of agency‑determined value for land or easements. Exceptions apply if a court sets the value, the Attorney General negotiates it, it is under $25,000, or the Secretary of Defense decides it serves the public interest.

OTC drug facility fee schedules set

For FY2026, fees are based on the 12 months ending December 31, 2025. For FY2027, fees are based on the 9 months ending September 30, 2026 and are paid in two installments. The law also sets added revenue targets of $2.373 million (FY2026), $1.233 million (FY2027), and $854,000 (FY2028), plus specific annual amounts for one fee category through FY2030. FDA must publish fee levels at least 60 days before each fiscal year.

No congressional pay raise in 2026

Members of Congress do not get a statutory cost‑of‑living pay adjustment for fiscal year 2026.

Clearer labels for engineered animal foods

Foods from engineered animals approved before February 19, 2019 must use a market name that starts with the words “genetically engineered.” This rule is effective upon enactment. Consumers see clearer labels; sellers must relabel affected products.

USDA grants: match waivers and notice rules

USDA can waive non‑federal matching requirements for certain agricultural research grants. The Secretary must give Congress at least 3 business days’ notice before ending any $1,000,000+ award and explain why. USDA cannot spend funds to move any staff office out of the mission area it was in on August 1, 2018 without a new law. USDA agencies can reimburse the Office of General Counsel for time‑limited legal services using this Act’s funds.

No funds to close Guantanamo

Money in this law cannot be used to close or realign Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The base’s status remains the same under these funds.

Senate staff not deputized as agents

Funds under the SENATE heading cannot be used to provide personal protective services in a way that makes staff federal agents. This limits how protective personnel can be designated.

Shifts Medicare lab reporting and sequestration

Medicare changes timing for clinical lab private‑payor data and payment phase‑ins. It adds Jan 1–30, 2026 to the phase‑in, moves the reporting cutoff to Jan 31, 2026, and sets a Feb 1–Apr 30, 2026 reporting window. It also adjusts Medicare sequestration timing for FY2026 by switching a 10‑month period to 11 months and a 2‑month period to 1 month.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]

OK • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 1,620 • No: 1,425

house vote • 11/12/2025

On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment

Yes: 222 • No: 209

senate vote • 11/10/2025

On Passage of the Bill H.R. 5371

Yes: 60 • No: 40

senate vote • 11/10/2025

On the Cloture Motion H.R. 5371

Yes: 60 • No: 40

senate vote • 11/10/2025

On the Motion to Proceed H.R. 5371

Yes: 60 • No: 40

senate vote • 11/9/2025