What the Federal Funding Package Means for Children and Families

The federal government will reopen with a funding package that temporarily restores key supports for children and families.

The package funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food & Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction projects, and Congressional operations for the full 2026 fiscal year. Other federal agencies will continue operating at last year’s funding levels until January 30, 2026.

Importantly, the package reverses the most recent federal staffing cuts, restoring some positions in special education, early childhood development, and child mental health programs.

While this agreement brings short-term stability, many child and family programs remain at risk.

Without a full-year funding bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, programs supporting childcare, health, mental health, and family well-being face uncertain budgets and the possibility of another shutdown in two months.

The package also does not extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which help families afford health coverage. Lawmakers are expected to revisit healthcare policies in December. 

We will continue to monitor these developments and share ways you can help protect programs that children and families have long relied on.