MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate is focusing on federal funding this month ahead of a Jan. 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown. Republican Leader+1

Speaking on the Senate floor, Thune said Congress has already passed one package of three appropriations bills signed into law in November and now needs to “finish our work.” Republican Leader

Thune said the House is expected to consider another three-bill package covering the Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior-Environment appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026. He said the bills were crafted with bipartisan input from both chambers and argued the package funds law enforcement and public safety programs, invests in infrastructure, and supports domestic energy priorities. Republican Leader+2House Appropriations GOP+2

Thune also said the package would spend less than a continuing resolution and urged the Senate to move quickly once it receives the legislation. Republican Leader