The US government experienced a partial shutdown early Saturday, despite the Senate passing a funding agreement just hours earlier.The Senate approved the deal with a 71-29 vote, which included five appropriations bills and a two-week stopgap measure to provide additional time for lawmakers to resolve funding disputes for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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cnbc.comThis shutdown marks the second such incident within a year, following a historic 43-day shutdown in 2025 that severely disrupted essential government services and left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay.However, this current shutdown is expected to be shorter and less impactful, as the House of Representatives is scheduled to reconvene on Monday to vote on the Senate's funding package.
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bbc.co.ukThe White House has instructed several federal agencies, including transportation and education, to implement shutdown plans.A memo from the Office of Management and Budget directed federal employees to report for their next scheduled duty to manage orderly shutdown activities.The memo expressed hope that the interruption would be brief.
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cnbc.comHouse Speaker Mike Johnson indicated his support for the Senate-passed funding deal, which aligns with backing from President Donald Trump.Johnson anticipates the House will approve the bill on Monday, after which it will be sent to Trump for signing.
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cnbc.comThe funding agreement allows for the temporary continuation of DHS funding, which has faced significant scrutiny from Democrats due to its aggressive immigration enforcement policies.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for reforms in immigration enforcement, stating that any future funding for DHS must include provisions addressing issues like the use of warrants and greater accountability for agents.
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bbc.co.ukfederalnewsnetwork.comAs the shutdown proceeds, various federal services are affected.Notably, many federal workers, including air traffic controllers, are working without pay.The Agriculture Department has announced it will restart Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits but at only half the usual amount, due to complications arising from the funding lapse.
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npr.orgThe shutdown's ramifications extend to essential services like the processing of federal food and nutrition benefits, which have faced uncertainty since the funding expired.The administration has indicated it will utilize emergency funds to provide partial benefits, but the long-term outlook remains unclear, particularly as states may struggle to adjust their systems for these changes.
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npr.orgDemocrats have expressed frustration with the current immigration enforcement tactics, especially following recent incidents involving federal agents that led to fatalities.They are demanding substantial changes to the way immigration enforcement is conducted, including increased oversight and accountability measures for agents during operations.
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bbc.co.ukfederalnewsnetwork.comThe two-week stopgap measure passed by the Senate allows Congress time to negotiate additional funding terms, particularly concerning immigration policy.However, the path to a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain, given the sharp divisions between both parties on immigration issues.Without significant compromise, the risk of a prolonged shutdown looms, as Democrats have made clear they will not support further funding for DHS without meaningful reforms in place.
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federalnewsnetwork.comAs the situation develops, federal employees and the public await the outcome of the House vote on Monday, which will be critical in determining the duration and extent of the shutdown's impact on federal services and employees across the country.
