Today, the House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 to pass the FY2026 Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act. Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) joined the majority in supporting the bill, which aims to end the ongoing federal government shutdown. The legislation includes full-year funding for three out of twelve annual appropriations bills—Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs—and extends funding for all other programs through January 30, 2026.
Rep. Calvert commented on the passage: “For more than 40 days Democrats in Congress held the American people, especially those dependent on SNAP benefits and federal workers, hostage in a desperate attempt to achieve their political goals. Today, we are releasing the hostage. Ending our government shutdown is vital, but it’s also important for Americans understand that Republicans refused to pay a ransom. The Democrats who waived the white flag and voted to end the shutdown did so because we called their bluff. Paying our troops, providing food assistance, and having fully staffed air traffic control operations aren’t bargaining chips. They are vital government functions. I hope Democrats in Congress learn a valuable lesson from this shameful political charade that harmed our country and realize that they will not be rewarded when they behave like terrorists.”
He further stated: “The passage of three full-year appropriations bills marks important progress in our annual appropriations process. House and Senate appropriators must maintain this momentum to complete our work on the nine remaining full-year appropriations bills. The bills passed today implement Trump Administration priorities, reflect fiscal restraint, and implement stable funding for critical agencies. I’m especially pleased that the bill fully funds veterans’ health care programs, as well as fully funds veterans’ benefits and VA programs.”
Ken Calvert has represented California’s 41st District in Congress since 1993 (https://calvert.house.gov/about). He was born in Corona, California in 1953 and currently resides there (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059). Calvert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in 1975.
