H.R. 6500

This bill provides continuing FY2027 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2027 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of December 11, 2026, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2027 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2027 begins on October 1, 2026. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2026 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility or additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR includes exceptions for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Small Business Administration loans; the Disaster Relief Fund; the Indian Health Service; the Department of Justice; and wildfire suppression activities. In addition, the bill extends several expiring authorizations, including authorities and programs related to agriculture, flood insurance, cybersecurity, surface transportation, veterans benefits, housing, defense production, and trade preferences for Haiti and certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The bill also includes provisions that temporarily prohibit the implementation of a regulation that revises guidance for federal financial assistance, delay the implementation of certain changes to the statutory definition of hemp, extend the freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for Members of Congress and limits on pay increases for the Vice President and certain senior political appointees, and provide death gratuities to beneficiaries of two Members of Congress who died while in office.