Rep. Calvert Votes to End Government Shutdown

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (222 to 209) of the House of Representatives to pass the FY2026 Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act. The bill, once signed into law by President Trump, will end the ongoing federal government shutdown. It includes full-year funding for three of the 12 annual appropriations bills – Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. The bill provides funding through January 30, 2026, for all other programs.

“For more than 40 days Democrats in Congress held the American people, especially those dependent on SNAP benefits and federal workers, hostage in a desperate attempt to achieve their political goals,” said Rep. Calvert. “Today, we are releasing the hostage. Ending our government shutdown is vital, but it’s also important for Americans understand that Republicans refused to pay a ransom. The Democrats who waived the white flag and voted to end the shutdown did so because we called their bluff. Paying our troops, providing food assistance, and having fully staffed air traffic control operations aren’t bargaining chips. They are vital government functions. I hope Democrats in Congress learn a valuable lesson from this shameful political charade that harmed our country and realize that they will not be rewarded when they behave like terrorists.”

“The passage of three full-year appropriations bills marks important progress in our annual appropriations process. House and Senate appropriators must maintain this momentum to complete our work on the nine remaining full-year appropriations bills. The bills passed today implement Trump Administration priorities, reflect fiscal restraint, and implement stable funding for critical agencies. I’m especially pleased that the bill fully funds veterans’ health care programs, as well as fully funds veterans’ benefits and VA programs.”

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