After 43 days, the federal government is officially back open for business. Congress reached a bipartisan agreement this week to end the shutdown, approving a continuing resolution (CR) that funds government operations through January 30, 2026. The deal averts immediate disruption but gives lawmakers just eleven weeks before the next funding deadline.
For those of us serving in Christian media, the reopening means that normal agency operations—including at the FCC, FTC, and other regulatory bodies—will resume. This allows licensing reviews, public comment periods, and key regulatory processes important to our industry to get back on track after several weeks of uncertainty.
But make no mistake—this reprieve is temporary. A “Shutdown 2.0” looms early next year if Congress cannot agree on a long-term appropriations package by the end of January. And with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s recesses cutting into the calendar, lawmakers have limited time to bridge divides and finalize full-year funding.
What to watch in the weeks ahead:
- Preventing Shutdown 2.0: Both chambers will focus on completing the remaining appropriations bills to avoid another shutdown before January 30, 2026. Expect negotiations on spending levels, policy riders, and offsets to dominate the December and January agenda.
- Health care tax credits: A major flashpoint during the shutdown involved extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which are set to expire at year’s end. Expect renewed debate within both parties and committees as lawmakers weigh extensions, offsets, and broader health policy priorities.
- FCC back in action: With the government reopened, the FCC returns to full operations. Key items now resuming include: The 2022 Quadrennial Review of media ownership rules, the proposed rulemaking on ATSC 3.0, and filing windows for LPTV and translator applications. NRB is preparing to file comments on both media ownership and ATSC 3.0, emphasizing the importance of protecting faith-based programming, maintaining localism, and promoting continued investment in Christian broadcasting.
- AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act: Momentum continues to build. With floor activity resuming, pressure is mounting for House leadership to schedule a full floor vote on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979 / S. 1669)—a key step toward final passage. NRB and our coalition partners have been assured the bill remains on the House agenda, with growing bipartisan support in both chambers.
- High profile items to watch: Expect additional floor activity in December on two high-profile measures: A discharge petition to release the Epstein case files, and legislation to prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks. Both will generate significant media attention and could further tighten the legislative calendar heading into the new year.
The reopening of the federal government restores some sense of normalcy in Washington, but it also restarts the countdown clock. Over the next eleven weeks, lawmakers will need to find common ground on spending, health care, and technology policy — all while balancing political pressures ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle.
For NRB members, this period represents both opportunity and responsibility: to stay engaged, to advocate for faith-based media freedom, and to remind policymakers that Christian broadcasters play an irreplaceable role in serving local communities, promoting free expression, and offering hope in uncertain times.
Are you looking to help provide voice to NRB’s public policy issues?
If so, please reach out to Vice President of Public Policy, Nic Anderson, to see how your voice can help amplify Christian communicators on Capitol Hill. Send him an email at: nanderson@nrb.org.