House Prepares Critical Vote on Government Shutdown Deal
A partial government shutdown began Saturday after dozens of federal agencies saw their funding lapse at midnight, but lawmakers are moving quickly to resolve the impasse. The House is expected to vote Monday on a Senate-passed funding package that could end the shutdown by Tuesday, according to Speaker Mike Johnson.
The Senate approved the $1.2 trillion funding deal Friday with a bipartisan 71-29 vote, but the House must act to send it to President Trump’s desk. Johnson told Fox News he is confident the package will pass by Tuesday, though Democrats are refusing to fast-track the measure and demanding a full debate on the chamber floor.
What Triggered the Shutdown
The shutdown stems from Democratic demands to split Department of Homeland Security funding from the broader appropriations package. The move came after federal agents deployed to Minnesota fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, during immigration enforcement operations, sparking bipartisan concern over ICE enforcement practices.
Under the compromise deal, the government will fund five agencies for the full fiscal year while extending DHS funding at current levels for two weeks—until February 13—allowing time for negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms.
Which Agencies Are Affected
The gov shutdown impacts funding for numerous departments including:
- Department of Defense
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Labor
- Department of Education
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
However, several agencies remain unaffected because Congress already approved their fiscal year 2026 funding, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, FDA, EPA, and Justice Department. Essential functions will continue, though workers in affected agencies could face delayed paychecks if negotiations extend beyond a few days.
Next Steps for the House
The House Rules Committee is scheduled to mark up the Senate-passed package Monday at 4 p.m., the first step before floor consideration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will not help Republicans expedite passage, insisting on meaningful debate over DHS reforms that include ending roving patrols, enforcing accountability, and mandating body cameras for federal agents.
Johnson will need to secure Republican support to pass the measure with a simple majority since Democrats are withholding their votes. Trump threw his support behind the deal Thursday, urging both parties to back the compromise to prevent another prolonged government shutdown like the 43-day impasse that occurred last fall.
