Toye Faleye with Agency Report
Washington:The United States government began a partial shutdown on Saturday after Congress missed the midnight deadline to pass the 2026 federal budget. As a result, funding for almost three-quarters of government operations is now uncertain.
The shutdown happened because of a disagreement in the Senate. Democratic lawmakers want new funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to include stricter limits on immigration enforcement. They made this demand after two citizens were fatally shot during protests against the Trump administration’s deportation policies.
Short Shutdown Anticipated
Earlier, the House of Representatives approved a funding package for six federal departments. Now, the House must review a revised Senate proposal that offers only temporary funding for DHS while talks on immigration reforms continue.
President Donald Trump has supported the Senate’s temporary funding measure and called on the House to act quickly to avoid a long shutdown, reminding lawmakers of last year’s 43-day budget standoff. Lawmakers plan to meet again on Monday to vote on the new plan.
If the shutdown lasts more than a few days, tens of thousands of federal employees may have to take unpaid leave or work without pay until funding is restored.
Democrats’ Position
Democrats have said they will not back new DHS funding unless it includes reforms. They want stricter warrant rules, body cameras for immigration officers, and a ban on agents wearing masks.
The Senate passed a two-week temporary funding measure for DHS on Friday. This is meant to give lawmakers time to negotiate reforms while keeping other federal departments running.