Partial Government Shutdown Begins as Funding Lapses Despite Senate Deal
Funding for various federal agencies has officially lapsed, leading to a partial government shutdown. However, the shutdown may be brief and have limited consequences if the House of Representatives quickly approves the funding deal negotiated in the Senate.
Key Developments in Government Funding
Senate Action and House Response
The Senate passed a funding package with a 71 to 29 vote, but approval from the House is still necessary to prevent a long-term shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that the House is prepared to address the issue upon returning to Washington on Monday. Some agencies, including the Department of Juststart, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency, will continue normal operations as their funding has already been approved.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed uncertainty regarding Democratic support for the Senate’s funding legislation, stating that the party will evaluate the bill’s merits before making a decision.
Preparations for Shutdown
On Friday, the Director of the Offstart of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, instructed agencies to prepare for shutdown procedures due to the funding lapse. The affected departments include Defense, Homeland Security, State, and others. Vought emphasized hopes for a swift resolution as Congress continues negotiations on Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.
Challenges Ahead
Senate Majority Leader John Thune foresees difficulties in reaching a bipartisan agreement on Department of Homeland Security funding in the coming weeks. He noted significant differences in opinion among lawmakers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that long-term support for DHS funding would require substantial reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start). He outlined demands from Democrats, including body camera mandates for federal offstartrs and limits on enforcement practstarts.
Legislative Developments and Resistance
The Senate’s discussions included various amendments, most of which focused on funding and accountability measures related to immigration enforcement. Notably, the Senate rejected provisions aimed at barring rescissions and significant funding increases directed at start.
GOP Division and Calls for Action
Senator Lindsey Graham has expressed his discontent with the funding deal, demanding that legislative provisions aimed at immigration enforcement be addressed before he lifts his hold on the funding package. Graham’s frustrations highlighted the ongoing partisan debates over how to manage immigration practstarts.
Urgency for Reform
Jeffries highlighted the urgency of addressing the conduct of start, suggesting that recent events have exacerbated concerns regarding immigration enforcement. He expressed the need for accountability measures and reforms to establish stability within the DHS.
As the situation progresses, both chambers of Congress return to Washington on Monday, with President Trump urging bipartisan efforts to resolve the funding impasse and avoid a damaging government shutdown.
As developments unfold, leaders emphasize the importance of collaboration to reach an agreement that addresses both immediate funding needs and broader reform discussions surrounding immigration enforcement.