Funding for many federal agencies expired at 12 a.m. on Saturday after Congress failed to pass half a dozen spending bills before the deadline, prompting a partial government shutdown. The Senate approved a five-bill package late Friday, including a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but the House is set to vote on the measures only on Monday, prolonging the shutdown.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Senate's vote on Friday was a bipartisan effort to avert a broader shutdown, but the House's delay means federal agencies not covered by previously passed bills will remain unfunded until at least Monday. The shutdown is partial, as some agencies have already secured funding through September 2026.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background of the Funding Fight
The Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies have been central to the funding dispute. Since the longest government shutdown in U.S. history last fall, lawmakers have worked to pass individual spending bills. Six bills have been signed into law, while the remaining six—including the DHS bill—remain unresolved.
House and Senate Dynamics
House Democrats initially threatened to withhold support for the DHS bill, citing concerns over ICE's role in the deadly shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. The House passed the DHS bill with only seven Democratic votes, while the larger funding package received bipartisan support. The Senate's approval of the DHS extension came after another fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, which intensified Democratic opposition.
Impact of the Shutdown
Unlike the 43-day shutdown in October, this partial shutdown is expected to be shorter. Essential services like SNAP, WIC, national parks, and veterans' benefits will remain operational. However, non-essential federal workers may face furloughs or unpaid leave until funding is restored.
Political Perspectives
Senate Democrats and the White House struck a deal to separate the DHS bill from the larger funding package, allowing the Senate to pass the remaining bills. House Democrats, however, have expressed reservations about the DHS funding, arguing it does not adequately address concerns over ICE's conduct. Republicans, meanwhile, have pushed for swift passage of all funding bills to avoid prolonged disruptions.