House Passes Government Funding Bill Ending Partial Shutdown
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Jan 30, 2026

The House passed, and President Donald Trump signed into law, a $1.2 trillion short-term spending package on February 3, clearing the way to reopen the federal government after a partial shutdown took effect on January 30. The House passed H.R. 7148 with a 217-214 vote after the Senate voted by a 71-29 margin.

House action came after days of uncertainty, as lawmakers weighed the Senate-passed compromise amid tight margins and internal divisions. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) brought the measure to the floor after signaling earlier in the day that leadership intended to move the bill forward.

The legislation funds the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Education, and Labor through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, consistent with previously enacted appropriations.

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is addressed separately, extending current funding levels for an additional two weeks to allow lawmakers more time to negotiate immigration enforcement oversight and accountability provisions. Democrats insisted on separating out the DHS measure following enforcement actions in Minneapolis.

For the printing industry, the resolution brings welcome certainty for companies that depend on federal programs and contracts, helping stabilize operations and planning after several days of funding disruption.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the passage of a spending bill to end a partial federal government shutdown. 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
Hire This Expert

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.

Related Content

New Bipartisan Caucus Aims to Protect the Future of the Postal Service

Each day, the United States Postal Service (USPS) moves more than 170 million letters and packages through its nationwide network. From prescription medications and utility bills to newspapers and personal correspondence, the Postal Service delivers essential materials to households in major metropolitan areas and the most remote rural communities. It also serves as a critical delivery channel for the printing industry, supporting commerce, communications, and information sharing across the country.

What Printers Need to Know from the Flurry of Labor Department Opinion Letters

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) kicked off 2026 by publishing six opinion letters on January 5, from the Wage and Hour Division (WHD). These letters help employers and workers understand how existing laws and regulations will be interpreted and enforced by the federal government. Five of the six letters could apply to companies in the printing industry.

Time to Meet Your OSHA Posting and Reporting Requirements

Just like clockwork, the start of a new year brings two important Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping requirements that printing operations must be aware of and comply with if they qualify. These involve the completion, posting and submission of certain separate, but related, recordkeeping forms. The two key dates are February 1 and March 2.
}