The US government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday after Congress failed to approve the 2026 budget before a midnight deadline, though disruption is expected to be limited as the House is set to vote early next week on a Senate-backed funding deal.
The lapse followed stalled negotiations over new funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), driven by Democratic opposition to the recent killings of two protesters in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin condemned the incidents, saying the Trump administration was misdirecting resources and putting Americans at risk.
Approximately three-quarters of federal operations are affected, potentially triggering shutdown procedures across agencies including education, health, housing, and defense. Federal departments were expected to begin implementing shutdown plans overnight. However, congressional leaders from both parties indicated the Senate’s actions make a short disruption more likely than a prolonged shutdown.
The Senate passed a package late Friday that included five funding bills covering most federal agencies through September and a two-week DHS stopgap measure to allow continued negotiations over immigration policy. The House, out of session when the deadline passed, is expected to approve the deal on Monday, which would restore funding within days and limit the practical impact on government services, contractors, and federal workers. A prolonged shutdown could put tens of thousands of federal employees on unpaid leave or working without pay.
The Senate breakthrough followed Republican Senator Lindsey Graham lifting a procedural hold on the package, which he opposed due to DHS provisions and language affecting Justice Department oversight. Graham agreed to release the hold after Senate leaders committed to votes on his legislation targeting “sanctuary cities.”
Democrats have remained united in opposing new DHS funding without reforms to immigration enforcement, citing the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good as evidence of inadequate oversight. They are demanding tighter warrant requirements, limits on enforcement tactics, and greater accountability for federal agents.
The White House’s decision to separate DHS funding from the broader budget package is seen as an effort to address political backlash while maintaining support for overall federal funding. Republicans remain divided, with some pressing for stronger immigration enforcement measures in upcoming DHS negotiations.
Although six of the 12 annual funding bills have already passed, they cover only a portion of discretionary spending. The remaining bills fund large areas of the federal government, making the lapse significant if the shutdown extends. The Office of Management and Budget ordered agencies to prepare for an “orderly shutdown.”
