Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Keep Government Open, Protect Critical National Security and Veterans Programs

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2027, legislation that keeps the federal government funded through December 11 while Congress completes work on full-year appropriations. The bill maintains funding for federal agencies largely at current FY2026 levels and prevents disruptions to critical defense, veterans, transportation, and other federal programs.

"Keeping the government open should not be controversial, and neither should getting our debt under control," said Congressman Harrigan. "This bill gives Congress the time to finish its work without disrupting paychecks, military readiness, veterans' services, or basic government functions in the process. But the long-term answer cannot be another cycle of short-term funding bills. We need to use this time to make real choices about spending, cut what isn't working, and start putting this country on a more responsible fiscal path."

The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act:

• Keeps the government open through December 11, 2026, generally maintaining federal programs at FY2026 funding rates while Congress completes the FY2027 appropriations process.
• Maintains critical defense operations and national security programs, including targeted flexibility for Navy shipbuilding needs and other defense priorities.
• Extends the Defense Production Act and key federal cybersecurity authorities through December 11, preserving important national security tools.
• Protects veterans' health and mental health programs, including rural mental health services, suicide prevention grants, support for family caregivers, and care for certain rural veterans.
• Continues housing and homelessness assistance for veterans, including more than $130 million for supportive services for very low-income veteran families through December 11.
• Keeps key federal transportation programs running, including funding for highways, public transit, rail, airports, and air service to smaller communities.

The measure gives Congress additional time to complete the FY2027 appropriations process while maintaining the services and national security functions Americans depend on. Harrigan will continue working toward full-year appropriations that set clear priorities, reduce wasteful spending, and begin the harder work of bringing down the national debt.