Congress Passes FY25 Budget, Funding Defense Programs

The House voted to pass a stopgap funding bill, avoiding a government shutdown and keeping spending levels at FY24 levels. The bill includes funding for specific defense programs, such as the E-7 Wedgetail and shipbuilding programs. Furloughed workers will receive backpay, and the government will reopen on January 30. The bill was signed by President Trump and reflects a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the FY26 budget. The House passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act in September, while the Senate approved its own version a month later. The ultimate outcome of the FY26 budget negotiations remains uncertain.