Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026

Continuing appropriations are authorized for fiscal year 2026, allowing existing projects and activities to continue without interruption. The act extends and increases funding for key health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Food and Drug Administration, and provides additional resources for the Veterans Affairs system to support health care, benefits, and housing initiatives. Specific provisions extend the No Surprises Act implementation, ensuring that patients receive clear billing information and that insurers comply with new transparency requirements. The bill also authorizes new appropriations for the FDA’s over‑the‑counter monograph drug fee program, establishing fee schedules and reporting obligations through 2030. Extensions are granted for a variety of federal programs, such as the National Health Service Corps, community health centers, and special diabetes programs, with defined funding amounts and sunset dates. Additional appropriations support the Veterans Affairs’ rural access network, housing assistance, and partial claim programs, with updated deadlines and reporting requirements. Budgetary effects of the bill are excluded from PAYGO scorecards, and the act includes detailed guidance on how to account for rescissions, cancellations, and adjustments to existing appropriations. The legislation also clarifies the application of emergency and disaster relief designations, ensuring that funds are used in accordance with prior congressional intent. Overall, the act maintains continuity of federal funding for health and social services while providing targeted extensions and new appropriations, and it establishes reporting and compliance mechanisms to support effective oversight and accountability.