The US government entered a partial shutdown after lawmakers failed to approve a spending deal in time. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time (0501 GMT). Lawmakers said it is likely to be brief.
The Senate passed the funding package just hours before the shutdown in a strong bipartisan vote of 71 to 29. Meanwhile, the House is away, and Republican leaders warned that it is unlikely to consider the measure before Monday.
Unlike last fall, when a 43-day shutdown cost the US economy an estimated $11 billion, this stoppage is mainly procedural. Both parties are working to avoid disruptions to key government operations while debates continue on immigration enforcement.
Immigration enforcement drives negotiations
The Senate-approved deal separates funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from the broader package. This allows agencies like the Pentagon and Department of Labor to stay funded. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue discussions on federal immigration policies.
Senate Democrats voiced concern over recent incidents involving immigration agents. The shooting of Alex Pretti, a US nurse, in Minneapolis sparked public outrage. It was the second death this month of a US citizen with no criminal record involving federal immigration agents. Democrats want stricter rules for enforcement, including body cameras, a ban on face masks, and search warrants issued by judges rather than agency officials.
Republicans signaled they are open to some of these proposals. DHS funding will continue for two weeks. This extension buys negotiators time to reach a broader agreement on immigration enforcement tactics. Analysts say short-term funding gaps, like this one, rarely affect government operations. Since 1977, the US has had ten shutdowns of three days or fewer.
Lawmakers balance funding and policy debates
Officials stress that the partial shutdown is procedural and not a reflection of major political conflict. The House delay allows lawmakers to continue discussions without halting critical services. Meanwhile, agencies like the Pentagon and Labor Department continue normal operations.
Lawmakers from both parties aim to prevent disruptions and keep public services running smoothly while negotiations on DHS and immigration enforcement continue. They hope to reach a swift compromise to avoid lasting impacts on the economy and government operations.
This brief shutdown highlights the challenges of passing budgets amid heated policy debates. Meanwhile, the public continues to monitor developments as immigration enforcement policies remain under intense scrutiny.
