Congress ended a brief funding lapse and delivered annual appropriations for education, restoring program budgets and avoiding the cuts the administration sought. Lawmakers passed a consolidated spending package that funds the U.S. Department of Education for fiscal 2026 at roughly $79 billion after a four-day lapse. The deal maintains funding for key grant programs and directs agencies to maintain staffing levels tied to statutory responsibilities. The narrow House vote came after a short shutdown episode that threatened timing for formula grants and federal aid to states and institutions. The temporary funding gap had forced agencies to pause or limit operations; the final package keeps programs intact but leaves longer-term policy fights unresolved. Higher‑education leaders say the stopgap avoids immediate program disruptions but expect the budget debate to re-emerge as the year progresses.