ADVOCACY & POLICY UPDATE - August 31, 2026

House Returns with Short Window to Pass CR

Appropriations

On Monday, August 31, House lawmakers return to Washington for a weeklong session with government funding at the top of the agenda, as Congress works to avoid a shutdown before the September 30 funding deadline. The House is expected to consider a bipartisan Senate-passed continuing resolution (CR) that would extend federal funding through December 11 — ensuring funding through the midterm elections. 

In July, the House approved a separate CR that would have extended funding through December 4. The Senate subsequently approved a revised measure by a 90-6 vote on August 8. The Senate version maintains current funding levels with certain adjustments and includes provisions affecting federal financial assistance, including a temporary pause on implementation of proposed changes to Office of Management and Budget’s federal grant rules. The measure also includes language addressing the transfer of funding to Border Patrol and provides additional funding adjustments for programs including WIC, disaster relief and certain transportation programs. 

The House must consider the Senate version before it is sent to President Trump. If the House does not approve a funding extension by September 30, federal agencies could face a lapse in appropriations. 

Additionally, the House is expected to advance a resolution (HR 1490) that condemns and denounces socialism “in all its forms.” The resolution references New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election and other candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. It also reaffirms support for the SAVE America Act, legislation concerning federal voter registration and election procedures that remains pending in the Senate. Lawmakers are expected to leave Washington again for the Labor Day recess after the weeklong session.

Click here to access the resolution HR 1490.

House Education and Workforce Subcommittee Hearings

On Tuesday, September 1, at 10:15 a.m. ET the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education will hold the hearing “Supporting Working Families: State-Led Child Care Solutions.”

Additionally, on Wednesday, September 2, at 10:15 a.m. ET the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections will hold the hearing “Less Red Tape, More Opportunity: Unleashing American Workers and Job Creators.”

Click here to learn more and access a link to the hearing “Supporting Working Families: State-Led Child Care Solutions.

Click here to to learn more and access a link to the hearingLess Red Tape, More Opportunity: Unleashing American Workers and Job Creators

Head Start

On Thursday, August 6, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled the proposed new rule “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” which would significantly reduce federal requirements governing the Head Start program and provide additional flexibility to approximately 1,600 programs nationwide. The proposal would eliminate or modify many standards related to classroom group sizes, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, background checks, and developmental screenings.

HHS says the changes are intended to reduce regulatory burdens, lower costs, give providers greater flexibility to respond to local needs, and expand program capacity. HHS estimates that changes to classroom ratios could allow Head Start providers to serve up to 236,000 additional children. The proposal has drawn concerns from some lawmakers and Head Start advocates about potential impacts on program quality, health and safety standards, and services for children with disabilities. Supporters argue that reducing federal requirements would give states and local providers greater flexibility in determining how programs operate. The proposed rule is open for public comment through October 6.

Click here to access the proposed rule.