The United States government entered a partial shutdown early Saturday after Congress failed to approve a 2026 budget by the midnight deadline, though a swift resolution is anticipated when the House of Representatives reconvenes next week.
The funding lapse stemmed from a breakdown in negotiations, driven by Democratic anger over the killing of two protesters in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents, which derailed talks over new funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
“Instead of going after drug smugglers, child predators, and human traffickers, the Trump Administration is wasting valuable resources targeting peaceful protestors in Chicago and Minneapolis,” Senate Democratic Minority Whip Dick Durbin posted on social media. “This Administration continues to make Americans less safe.”
Roughly three-quarters of federal operations are affected, potentially triggering shutdown procedures across agencies covering education, health, housing, and defense. However, late Friday, the Senate passed a package clearing five outstanding funding bills to cover most agencies through September, along with a two-week stopgap measure to keep DHS operating while negotiations continue.
The House was out of session as the deadline passed and is not scheduled to return until Monday. If it approves the Senate-backed package as expected early next week, funding would be restored within days, limiting the practical impact of the shutdown on government services, contractors, and federal workers.
President Donald Trump backed the Senate deal and urged swift House action, signaling a desire to avoid a prolonged shutdown—the second of his second term.
The Senate breakthrough came after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham lifted a procedural block. Graham had objected to provisions in the DHS stopgap and language repealing an earlier measure that allowed senators to sue the Justice Department if their phone records were seized during past investigations. He agreed to release his hold after Senate leaders committed to future votes on his legislation cracking down on “sanctuary cities.”
Democrats have remained united in opposing new DHS funding without changes to immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Party leaders have demanded reforms including tighter warrant requirements, limits on certain enforcement tactics, and greater accountability for agents.
The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo ordering agencies to prepare for an “orderly shutdown,” adding, “It is our hope that this lapse will be short.”
