Congressman Gabe Evans, representing Colorado’s 8th District, voted with members of both parties in the House to pass five Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills and a short-term continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security. The action ended a partial government shutdown.
In a statement, Evans said: “The House did its job and passed the final four appropriations bills. However, because Senate Democrats refused to follow through on the bipartisan-bicameral spending package — that they had previously agreed to — House Republicans were once again forced to step in and end a shutdown that should have never happened. Instead of honoring their word, Senate Democrats continue to play reckless political games at the expense of the American people. I’m proud to once again vote in favor of these bills, funding our government, and delivering millions of dollars in secured, meaningful wins for my constituents in Colorado’s Eighth District.”
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026 included funding for Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Transportation Housing and Urban Development; and related agencies. These measures were passed by the House on January 22 with bipartisan support. With this action, all twelve FY26 appropriations bills have been approved by the House.
After passage in the House, every Senate Democrat and eight Senate Republicans voted against moving forward with the negotiated bill when it reached the Senate floor. This led to further negotiations.
Following several days of discussions, revised legislation was approved by the Senate. It provided full-year funding for five appropriations areas—Department of Defense; Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation; Housing and Urban Development; Financial Services and General Government; National Security; Department of State—and included a two-week continuing resolution for Homeland Security.
These measures will be sent to the President for signature while lawmakers continue talks about long-term funding for Homeland Security.
