Upcoming Congressional Fiscal Policy Deadlines

Updated 2/17/26: On February 14, Homeland Security funding expired, causing a partial government shutdown affecting only that department. The spending measure enacted at the start of February only funded Homeland Security through February 13, while most other agencies included in the bill received funding through September 30. It's unclear when lawmakers will be able to reach a deal to end the current lapse in Homeland Security appropriations.

On January 31, the government partially shut down as last fall's continuing resolution only extended funding for certain agencies through January 30, 2026.

Last fall's shutdown, which began on October 1 and lasted through November 12, was the longest shutdown in modern history, lasting 43 days. During the shutdown, the Senate voted several times on two competing funding measures: H.R. 5371 and S. 2882. The shutdown ended when lawmakers eventually passed H.R. 5371, which provided full-year Agriculture, Military Construction-VA, and Legislative Branch appropriations, and continuing funding through January 30, 2026, for other agencies. To follow the progress of appropriations, see our Appropriations Watch: FY 2026.

The next few years will include several predictable fiscal policy deadlines, as various policies take effect, expire, or change. Many of the deadlines could bring additional costs if Congress acts irresponsibly, or they could present an opportunity for Congress to reduce deficits.

We will regularly update this tracker and recommend that you bookmark it and return regularly to check in.