Congress Passed a Government Funding Package Ending the Longest Shutdown in History

This update, shared by our partners at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, highlights key developments in Congress's recent government funding package.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Congress passed a government funding package ending the longest shutdown in history. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-40 and the House by a vote of 222-209.

The bill (summary here, and full text here) will extend current funding levels for most federal agencies and programs through Jan. 30, 2026. The funding package includes three full-year appropriations bills that will fully fund the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction projects and operations of Congress through Sept. 30, 2026.

The bill guarantees backpay for furloughed workers, requires the administration to rehire federal workers who were laid off through reduction in force (RIF) efforts since Oct. 1, and prevents future RIFs during the CR (through Jan. 30, 2026).

Notably, this bill progressed despite lacking any extension of the Affordable Care Act premium tax subsidies (although Republican leadership has promised a December vote). These subsidies will expire on Dec. 31 absent further congressional action prior to that date. Members of both chambers are continuing active negotiations over a possible extension of the subsidies.

The funding package also extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Jan. 30, 2026. This includes delaying the requirement that patients receiving mental health services via telehealth must have at least one in-person visit in the six months preceding their first telehealth appointment. We anticipate that telehealth claims that have been on hold may be paid retroactive to Oct. 1. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will likely need to issue guidance clarifying whether these claims can be paid now, or if a provider rendered a service that held a claim on or after Oct.1, if it can now be submitted for reimbursement. We will keep you updated on any CMS guidance issued over the coming days.