Federal Government Reopens Following Passage of Short-Term Funding Deal
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Nov 14, 2025

The federal government officially reopened on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 after Congress approved—and President Trump signed—a temporary funding package that restores operations across most agencies through January 30, 2026. The measure passed 222 to 209, with a few Democrats joining the Republicans to vote in favor two days after the bill passed in the Senate. The stopgap measure brings immediate relief to millions of Americans and businesses affected by the shutdown, including print service providers that rely on federal contracts.

In addition to extending short-term funding, lawmakers advanced three full-year appropriations bills covering:

  • Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies

  • Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA)

  • Legislative Branch Agencies

The government shutdown has ended, but Senate Democrats didn’t get a key provision they were fighting for: extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year. In exchange for winning Democratic votes, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), publicly promised to hold a Senate vote on extending the ACA subsidies by the end of the second week of December.

For PRINTING United Alliance members that hold a contract with the federal government, the reopening means payments should resume promptly. Printers with active government contracts are encouraged to monitor their contract officers’ communications and verify the status of any delayed invoices. With agencies now funded, payments that were paused during the shutdown should begin processing, helping stabilize cash flow for print businesses that experienced significant strain over the past several weeks.

With the government back online, the House is expected to return to regular order. Members are preparing for a busy stretch of legislative and oversight hearings and renewed floor activity, including anticipated action on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Additionally, the release of the 2026 House legislative calendar is expected soon, offering insight into congressional priorities for the coming year.

The January 30 deadline provides time for Congress to negotiate and pass the remaining appropriations bills for government agencies. 

The Alliance will continue monitoring developments, particularly appropriations and policies shaping the printing and graphic communications industry.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the reopening of the federal government. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.    

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.   

Business Congressional Updates Legislation
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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