Washington DC (US), January 31, 2026, BNN Web Staff: The United States federal government entered a partial shutdown early Saturday (local time) following a delay in the passage of key government funding legislation, according to US media reports.
The shutdown took effect despite the Senate approving a revised set of funding bills just hours before the deadline.
However, the House of Representatives is not expected to take up the revised package until at least Monday, resulting in a temporary lapse in funding for several federal agencies.
Earlier on Friday, the Senate voted to carve out extended funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after reaching an agreement with the White House to delay the issue for two weeks. The pause is intended to allow further negotiations on Democratic demands related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including proposals that would require ICE officers to wear body cameras and prohibit the use of face coverings during operations.
The measure cleared the Senate with a 71–29 vote. Five Republican senators—Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson and Rick Scott—voted against the proposal.
The funding bill is now set to move to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to place it before lawmakers. Under House rules, the legislation will require a two-thirds majority to pass, making bipartisan support essential before it can be sent to President Donald Trump for final approval.
The Senate vote proceeded after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham lifted his hold on the legislation, following assurances from Senate Majority Leader John Thune that a separate vote on banning sanctuary cities would be scheduled in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated Democratic concerns over ICE enforcement practices, calling for meaningful reforms. He warned that without substantive changes, Democrats would withhold their support, stressing that the coming days are critical as the nation closely watches developments in Washington.
