The House and Senate reconvened on Tuesday after a month-long August recess. Lawmakers have just over three weeks to avert a government shutdown Oct. 1. The House and Senate have each passed three of their fiscal year 2026 funding measures, but Republicans and Democrats are not close to a full-year funding deal. A short-term funding bill of some duration will be needed, but the length has not been determined.
Congress also needs to enact a “skinny farm bill” by the end of the calendar year to stave off a reversion to permanent farm law. While many farm bill programs and priorities were funded in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted in July, Congress must still address a range of expiring authorities and policy items in a separate measure. House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, R-PA, is interested in advancing a bill through his committee as soon as possible; it remains to be seen whether a law can be passed by the end of the year, or whether an extension will be needed.
While these debates play out, NMPF will seek to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act through the Senate and then the House to finally return to schools the ability to offer students whole and reduced-fat milk, the two most popular U.S. varieties. We also will be urging action as soon as possible on ag labor reform. With legislative and administrative actions to increase border security on the books, now is the time to advance legislation that gives dairy farmers long-term workforce certainty.
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