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In the past month (late November to mid-December 2025), several notable examples of bipartisan cooperation occurred in the U.S., ranging from legislative packages addressing housing and healthcare to agreements ending the longest government shutdown in history.
Major Legislative Agreements
- Government Reopening Deal: On November 12, 2025, a bipartisan agreement officially ended a 43-day federal government shutdown. The deal, brokered in the Senate with the support of eight Democrats joining Republicans, included full-year funding for veterans, agriculture, and military construction through the end of fiscal year 2026, while providing a continuing resolution for other agencies until January 30, 2026.
- 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): In mid-December, the House passed a $901 billion defense policy bill with a wide bipartisan vote. The legislation includes new transparency requirements for airstrike footage and restrictions on troop reductions in Europe and South Korea.
- Housing for the 21st Century Act: On December 17, 2025, the House Financial Services Committee passed this comprehensive housing package with a near-unanimous 50–1 vote. The bill incorporates provisions from 48 different legislative efforts, over 30 of which had bipartisan sponsors, aiming to modernize federal housing programs and streamline regulatory roadblocks.
Healthcare and Social Policy
- SUPPORT Reauthorization Act: Signed into law on December 1, 2025, this bipartisan act renews federal funding for opioid overdose prevention and expands treatment and recovery options through 2030.
- ACA Subsidy Extension Efforts: On December 17, 2025, four moderate House Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits scheduled to expire at the end of the year.
- Hospital at Home Bill: In mid-December, the House passed a bipartisan bill to renew the “Hospital at Home” program for five years, allowing thousands of patients to receive acute care in their own residences.
Environmental and Infrastructure Measures
- American Water Stewardship Act: Passed by committee on December 18, 2025, this bipartisan bill reauthorizes funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and other national water quality programs.
- Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization: On December 17, 2025, four moderate House Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits scheduled to expire at the end of the year.
- ROTOR Act: Following a midair collision in Washington, the Senate passed the bipartisan ROTOR Act on December 17, 2025, via a fast-track unanimous consent agreement to improve aviation safety standards.
New Bipartisan Coalitions
- Assembly of State Legislative Leaders: In mid-December, over 40 legislative leaders from more than 30 states met in Ohio to form a new bipartisan group focused on defending states’ rights and federalism.
- Aviation Funding Solvency Act: Introduced in mid-December by leaders of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, this bipartisan bill seeks to protect the air traffic control system from being affected by future government shutdowns.
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