Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued a statement following the House’s approval of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. The measure passed with a vote of 217-212.
Rep. Hill stated, “The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are working hard to restore regular order after years of failure under the Democrats. This short-term CR gives both chambers the time needed to finalize that process so we can move forward with responsible FY26 spending levels. The House has done its job, and I am confident my Republican colleagues in the Senate will do the same. The only question now is whether Senate Democrats will shut down the government. I certainly hope they choose to fund the government so we can continue doing the work of the American people. If not, they will have to explain why they chose to shut it down instead of governing.”
The legislation extends current government funding through November 21, 2025 or until a full-year appropriations act is enacted, whichever comes first. Its passage prevents a potential government shutdown on October 1 and allows additional time for lawmakers to negotiate long-term spending agreements reflecting Republican priorities.
Key provisions include $30 million in additional funding for Member security via U.S. Capitol Police Mutual Aid Reimbursements and $58 million for executive and judicial branch security as requested by the administration. It also maintains food assistance programs for low-income women, infants, and children; continues Department of Veterans Affairs programs; extends expiring health care initiatives such as community health centers and Medicare telehealth flexibilities; prolongs authorization for cybersecurity information sharing; renews Homeland Security’s authority over unmanned aerial systems threats; and carries forward extensions from previous resolutions like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and National Flood Insurance Program.
French Hill has represented Arkansas’s 2nd Congressional District since 2015 after succeeding Tim Griffin (https://hill.house.gov/about/). Born in Little Rock in 1956, he currently resides there (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/H001072). He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
