Congress Ends Longest Federal Government Shutdown in US History

On November 12, 2025, the US House of Representatives passed, and President Trump signed, H.R.5371 - the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. This legislation brings an end to the longest federal government shutdown in US history.  

Through its continuing resolution (“CR”), the legislation funds (at current levels) parts of the federal government through the earlier of January 30, 2026, and the enactment of an applicable full-year appropriations bill. It also includes the final FY 2026 appropriations bills for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch - funding key programs in those bills through September 30, 2026.  

Notable provisions relevant to the field of addiction medicine include: 

• Continuing Medicare telehealth flexibilities (originally extended in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) through January 30, 2026; 

• Reauthorizing the Community Health Center Fund, the National Health Service Corps, and the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program through January 30, 2026; 

• Reinstating the federal workforce to levels existing before Oct. 1, 2025; 

• Preventing the furlough of federal employees during the duration of the CR; and 

• Prohibiting the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp products like Delta-8, beginning 365 days after enactment.