Domestic Governance
SummaryQuick take
Congress has not enacted full-year appropriations for the coming fiscal year, and current funding lapses at the end of the month. A continuing resolution has passed one chamber. Federal courts are operating normally, with several high-profile cases on the Supreme Court's upcoming docket. Midterm election preparations are underway, with early voting beginning in some states next month.Congress has until Sept. 30 to agree on a plan to pay for the government. If it doesn't, parts of the government close.
Explore elected officials by stateHeadline figuresKey numbers
Federal Budget and Shutdown Risk · Days until funding lapsesDays until the money runs out
Congress · Bills enacted this CongressNew laws passed
Elections · States with early in-person voting offeredStates where early voting is offered
Systems in this sectionWhat we're watching
4 areas tracked. Select one for full detail and citations.Tap one to learn more.
Federal Budget and Shutdown Risk
ElevatedKeep an eye on itA continuing resolution funds the government through December 11, 2026, leaving about 74 days before funding lapses.Congress passed a short-term fix that keeps the government funded until December 11, 2026.
Days until funding lapsesDays until the money runs out
Congress
ElevatedKeep an eye on itCongress has enacted 111 public laws this session with scheduled floor time remaining in 2026.Congress has passed 111 laws and has more work days scheduled this year.
Bills enacted this CongressNew laws passed
Courts
StableAll goodFederal courts are operating normally; the Supreme Court term begins Oct. 5.Courts are working normally. The Supreme Court starts its new year Oct. 5.
Federal judicial vacanciesEmpty judge seats
Elections
StableAll goodElection preparations continue on schedule 36 days before Nov. 3, with early in-person voting offered in 47 states and congressional candidate receipts at $2.1B.Election Day is Nov. 3, about 36 days away. Most states let people vote early.
Days until Election Day (Nov. 3)Days until Election Day
Key indicators
Recent developments
- Governance / Congress
Public Law 119-111 enacted (opens original release)
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was published as Public Law 119-111.
Source: GovInfo - Governance / Federal Budget and Shutdown Risk
House panel notes FY26 appropriations signed into law as FY27 bills advance (opens original release)
A House Appropriations release states FY26 appropriations were signed into law by the President and that FY27 bills have advanced out of the full committee, with multiple passing the House floor.
Source: House Committee on Appropriations - Governance / Congress
Multiple public laws enacted (opens original release)
Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, Local Access to Courts Act, and Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act were published.
Source: GovInfo - Governance / Congress
Senate confirms district judge (opens original release)
Angela Veronica Colmenero was confirmed as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas.
Source: U.S. Senate - Governance / Congress
Continuing Appropriations enacted (opens original release)
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 was published as Public Law 119-103.
Source: GovInfo - Governance / Courts
Supreme Court adds cases to fall calendar
The Court scheduled arguments in cases involving federal agency authority and election administration.
Source: Supreme Court of the United States