ICYMI: Bresnahan Votes to Reopen Government; Funds Essential Support Programs

WASHINGTON, DC: Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) voted for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, to reopen the government. The legislation, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 222-209, will fund the government through January 30, 2026.

"Last night's vote was a clear, easy decision to support the reopening and refunding of our government and the critical services it provides to so many in our district and across the country," said Rep. Bresnahan. "Throughout the shutdown, I fought to keep vital programs funded to support our most vulnerable neighbors and ensure our federal workers were paid, because folks who work hard shouldn't get screwed because Washington can't function. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find solutions that make healthcare more accessible and life more affordable, because I will never stop fighting for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania."

The legislation includes three of the 12 appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026; Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.

Rep. Bresnahan secured two Community Project Funding (CPF) requests in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. This funding returns taxpayer dollars to the district for critical programs.

He secured $1,170,000 for the West End Fire Company and Brodheadsville to acquire two crucial firefighting vehicles, a rescue truck and an engine truck. These vehicles will improve the company's ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies across Chestnuthill Township and the broader West End of Monroe County.

He also secured $1,000,000 for the Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania to expand the Illumination Early Learning Center into a new building to accommodate more children. This will address childcare accessibility in Northeastern Pennsylvania while also fostering partnerships with local educational institutions to train new instructors.

The passage of these bills will result in full FY 2026 funding for critical government programs. Significant provisions include:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026:

• $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which is $603 million above the FY25 enacted level.
• $107.5 billion in mandatory funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• $37.84 billion for Child Nutrition programs, including a $4.5 billion increase and mandatory funding for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Summer Food Programs.
• $460 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which is $35 million above the FY25 enacted level, to provide food to low-income seniors.
• $4.1 billion for Rural Development programs, prioritizing funding for home ownership and infrastructure lending.
• Rural Hospital Pilot Program
• $1.79 billion for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
• $1.215 billion for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
• $9.957 billion in FSA Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program loan authorizations.

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026:

• Increasing funding for Capitol Police and the civilians who support their efforts to $852.4 million.
• Prohibiting the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from the People's Republic of China and other adversaries.
• Requiring unspent amounts from Members' Representational Allowance (MRA) to be used for debt and deficit reduction.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026:

• $115.1 billion, which fully funds veterans' medical care, health care programs, benefits, and VA programs, including:
  • $59.2 billion for direct care at VA facilities;
  • $34 billion for community care providers;
  • $18.9 million for mental health;
  • $945 million for medical and prosthetic research;
  • $709.6 million for opioid misuse prevention and treatment;
  • And $342.5 million for rural health initiatives.
• $3.4 billion for the Veterans Electronic Health Record program, one of the largest health IT transformation initiatives.
• Supports efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new National Center for Warrior Independence established via Executive Order.
• Provides $19.7 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing.

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