Funding for several federal agencies expired at midnight Saturday after Congress failed to pass key spending bills, triggering a partial government shutdown. The funding lapse occurred despite the Senate approving a five-bill funding package late Friday and extending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for two weeks. The agreement still requires approval from the House, which is expected to return on Monday to consider the measures.
The shutdown stems from disagreements over DHS funding, particularly related to immigration enforcement policies. Since last fall’s record-long shutdown, Congress has passed six of the 12 annual appropriations bills, leaving six still unresolved. The current dispute focuses on DHS and reforms requested after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis last weekend.
House Democrats initially opposed the DHS funding bill, arguing it did not adequately limit immigration enforcement practices. Only seven Democrats supported the DHS bill last week, while the larger five-bill package passed with wide bipartisan support. The House then combined the bills and sent them to the Senate to expedite approval.
Senate Democrats, reacting to the Pretti incident, demanded further reforms before supporting DHS funding. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said his caucus would not vote for the full package unless DHS money was separated. Democratic demands included ending roving patrols, requiring warrants for certain operations, and limiting the use of masks by officers. Republicans encouraged Democrats to bring their requests directly to the administration.
An initial Senate vote on the combined package failed Thursday, but later negotiations with the White House produced a compromise. Democrats agreed to fund the five non-DHS bills while extending DHS funding for two weeks while further talks continue. The Senate approved the five-bill package 71-29 and passed the DHS continuing resolution by voice vote. The House must now approve both measures to fully restore funding.
Agencies affected by the partial shutdown include the Department of Defense, State Department, Labor Department, Health and Human Services, Education Department, Transportation Department, Housing and Urban Development, and the Treasury Department including the IRS. Despite the shutdown, DHS enforcement campaigns are expected to continue. Last year, DHS received roughly $165 billion, including $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $65 billion for Customs and Border Protection, allowing operations to continue without new funding.
Agencies that remain funded through previously passed bills include the Department of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration, legislative branch operations, Department of Commerce, Justice Department, NASA, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Government shutdowns occur under the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from spending funds not authorized by Congress. Essential personnel continue working without pay, while nonessential employees are furloughed. Both groups generally receive back pay once funding is restored. Last year’s shutdown lasted 43 days, creating significant hardships for federal workers, including military personnel, air traffic controllers, and security staff, and causing travel disruptions.
The current shutdown could be resolved quickly if the House approves the pending bills. Some conservatives may push for amendments to DHS funding, but party leadership and presidential influence could overcome objections. The House Rules Committee may review the legislation before it goes to a procedural vote on the floor. Once approved, the president is expected to sign the measures into law, ending the funding lapse.
The situation remains fluid as lawmakers negotiate, but the partial government shutdown highlights the continuing political battles over immigration policy and federal spending. Agencies and employees are preparing for a temporary disruption, while Congress works to restore funding before further complications arise.