Congressional leaders advanced multiple continuing resolution measures in July and early August 2026 to extend discretionary funding at current levels past the September 30 fiscal year-end. The House approved a clean CR through December 4, while the Senate passed its version on August 8 funding agencies into mid-December, shifting the focus to House concurrence before the October 1 deadline. These procedural steps, taken well ahead of the appropriations lapse date and amid midterm election pressures, have reduced near-term shutdown risk. Traders price the low probability of a lapse because past patterns show both chambers routinely enact such stopgap legislation when regular appropriations bills stall, and no major procedural or partisan barriers have emerged in recent votes.