The U.S. Senate approved a comprehensive government funding package by a 71-29 vote, advancing most FY2026 appropriations and sending the measure to the House, with a two-week extension for Homeland Security to allow negotiations before a potential shutdown.

Sen. James Lankford noted that the package funds Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and HUD; Financial Services and General Government; and National Security and State Department programs, plus two weeks of continuing appropriations for Homeland Security.

North Dakota leaders touted benefits including stronger military funding, infrastructure investments, and enhanced education and research support.

Public safety provisions direct the FCC on contraband cell-phone interdiction in prisons, report illegal marijuana operations linked to foreign nationals, sustain federal support for McGirt-affected tribal law enforcement, and allow certain toxicology and drug-testing activities under highway safety grants.

Energy and minerals provisions prioritize domestic critical mineral development by the Department of Energy and require a clear plan with American producers to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Healthcare and education funding hold current levels, with NIH at $7.4 billion for cancer research and $3.9 billion for Alzheimer’s programs; rural health support at $373.9 million; mental health funding above $5.5 billion; and telehealth provisions extended through December 2027 with relaxed access, including audio-only and no geographic restrictions.

Infrastructure and Army Corps projects in Oklahoma include water infrastructure maintenance and modernization, flood protection, and enhanced FAA operations and aviation facilities, with opposition to a second FAA Academy outside Oklahoma.

Defense and foreign policy measures preserve the E-7 Wedgetail program, expand religious freedom protections, and require a 90-day State Department plan to broaden the Abraham Accords and related defense cooperation.

Housing and community development funding totals $77.3 billion, including $3.1 billion for community development grants, plus forgiving a $2 million Grand Forks housing loan.

Healthcare provisions emphasize transparency and reform of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, with Hyde Amendment protections and pro-life safeguards, prohibiting funding for certain reproductive services while maintaining conscience protections.

Military base funding is substantial: Grand Forks AFB gets $50 million for Space Development Agency operations and related unmanned aircraft projects; Minot AFB is slated for $2.6 billion for the Sentinel missile system, over $1 billion for B-52 upgrades, and $67 million for new helicopters; Cavalier Space Force Station would receive $5 million to upgrade its radar.

Lankford credited a return to regular order and Republican leadership for progress, highlighting reforms in pharmacy benefit managers, prison contraband enforcement, Army Corps projects in Oklahoma, critical minerals, and actions on illegal marijuana operations tied to foreign nationals.