Senate Majority Leader Thune Outlines September Legislative Calendar for 12 Spending Bills

WASHINGTON, DC — Senate Majority Leader John Thune outlined the Senate Republican legislative blueprint Thursday morning for the chamber's return from the August state work period, prioritizing floor consideration of regular appropriations bills to avert a federal government shutdown.

Appropriations Scheduling and Floor Strategy

Under the schedule released by the Majority Leader's office, the Senate will immediately take up the bipartisan Defense, Military Construction-VA, and Agriculture spending packages upon reconvening on September 8, 2026. Leader Thune stated that Senate leadership intends to process spending bills under regular order with open amendment processes, seeking to reach negotiated compromise with the House before current discretionary funding expires at midnight on September 30.

The legislative plan also reserves dedicated floor time for executive and federal judicial nominations reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Bipartisan Negotiations and Fiscal Caps

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins and Ranking Member Patty Murray have advanced 11 of the 12 spending bills with broad bipartisan support, adhering to statutory spending caps enacted under federal fiscal agreements.

Leader Thune emphasized that passing individual appropriations bills provides vital operational certainty for military readiness, national park administration, and regional infrastructure projects.

Legislative Deadlines and Conference Committee Action

Bilateral conference committees between House and Senate appropriators will begin formal reconciling sessions on September 14, 2026.