Government shutdown looms: What’s at stake for healthcare

Becker’s Hospital Review – Friday, January 30, 2026
By Madeline Ashley, Erica Cerutti, and Naomi Diaz

A deal was struck Jan. 29 between Senate Democrats and Republicans to move five spending bills forward after a six-bill government funding package earlier that day failed to reach the 60-vote threshold for passage, The New York Times reported.

The revised package includes funding through Sept. 30 for five agencies — including HHS — and a two-week stopgap for the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate is expected to vote on the new deal Jan. 30, but any final agreement would still need House approval. To avoid a partial government shutdown, the House would need to pass the package as is, or return an amended version for another Senate vote before the Jan. 30 midnight deadline. However, with the House not scheduled to return until Feb. 2, a brief shutdown beginning early Jan. 31 appears likely.

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