**Congress has advanced stopgap funding measures well ahead of the September 30 deadline to maintain operations into December, reflecting lessons from multiple FY2026 funding lapses and a shared priority to prevent another impasse before the midterms.** Both chambers passed versions of a continuing resolution (CR) in July and early August 2026. The Senate approved its bipartisan measure 90-6 on August 8, extending current spending levels through December 11 with targeted adjustments and provisions addressing administration priorities and Democratic concerns. The House, which passed a narrower version in July, returns from recess on August 31 to address reconciliation. Senate leaders, including Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, emphasized avoiding further disruptions after prior lapses, including the extended 2025 shutdown and subsequent DHS gaps resolved through April 2026. This early action and cross-aisle cooperation in the Senate signal strong trader consensus against an October 1 lapse. Lawmakers face a compressed post-recess calendar but have demonstrated willingness to use short-term CRs to bridge to full-year appropriations or a later agreement, consistent with historical patterns when election timing and recent shutdown costs heighten incentives for continuity.