Why Congress So Rarely Passes Government Funding Bills on Time

In this video, we look at how the current budgeting process is supposed to work and the way it actually plays out most of the time, and try to answer why it's so hard for the federal government to fulfill one of its most basic functions: funding itself on time.

Latest Stories

DOJ Now Says Comey Grand Jury Did See Final Indictment

The prosecutor hand-picked by President Donald Trump to pursue a criminal case against James Comey now says the indictment of the former FBI director was properly presented to a grand jury for a vote — a day after telling a judge the final version of the charging papers was never shown to the full jury.

Trump Says He’d ‘Feel Very Comfortable’ in Mamdani’s NYC

President Donald Trump said he wants to see Zohran Mamdani succeed, saying after a highly anticipated sitdown that he’d “feel very comfortable” living in a New York run by the mayor-elect and that he doesn’t anticipate cutting off funding for the country’s most populous city.

Bipartisan Duo Lead Talks on Obamacare, Health Reform Policies

Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans (Va.) and Democrat Josh Gottheimer (N.J.) are working with House lawmakers from both parties to build consensus around a one- or two-year extension of Obamacare premium subsidies, while considering other health care reforms, according to two sources familiar with discussions.

Newsmaker Exclusives

Centrist Lawmakers Expect House to Vote on Health Subsidies

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said the House is likely to address the looming expiration of tax credits for the Affordable Care Act.

From the Analysts

BGOV Bill Analysis: S. 3012, Federal Employee Shutdown Pay

Some federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown would receive immediate pay and benefits under S. 3012.

BGOV OnPoint: Defense Policy Bill Talks Heat Up in Congress

Congressional defense leaders are working to produce a compromise version of the fiscal 2026 national defense authorization measure by Thanksgiving.

Deportation Ads Take Over Federal Advertising Services Market

The Department of Homeland Security tripled its ad spending in fiscal 2025 compared to the year before, leading to record contract obligations for the agency as it implements President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

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Trump Says He’d ‘Feel Very Comfortable’ in Mamdani’s NYC (1)

President Donald Trump said he wants to see Zohran Mamdani succeed, saying after a highly anticipated sitdown that he’d “feel very comfortable” living in a New York run by the mayor-elect and that he doesn’t anticipate cutting off funding for the country’s most populous city.