Washington (TDI): The United States government entered a partial shutdown early Saturday after Congress failed to finalise a funding agreement before a midnight deadline, though lawmakers signalled the disruption is likely to be short-lived.
The Senate approved a spending package late Friday by a bipartisan vote of 71–29, but the House of Representatives had already adjourned and is not expected to consider the measure until Monday, according to a Republican leadership aide. As a result, the shutdown took effect at 12:01am Eastern time, Reuters reported.
Lawmakers from both parties have moved to limit the impact, stressing that disagreements over immigration enforcement should not derail funding for most federal operations. The lapse is expected to be brief.
The situation contrasts sharply with last autumn’s standoff over healthcare funding, when a prolonged shutdown stretched to a record 43 days and cost the US economy an estimated $11 billion.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the federal government has experienced 10 funding gaps lasting three days or less since 1977, most of which caused minimal disruption.
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Under the Senate-approved plan, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be temporarily separated from the broader budget, allowing Congress to keep agencies such as the Pentagon and the Department of Labour operating while negotiations continue over immigration policy.
Democrats had threatened to delay the funding bill following the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by immigration agents in Minneapolis last weekend. The incident intensified calls to curb DHS enforcement practices.
Democratic lawmakers are pushing for an end to roving patrols, mandatory body cameras for immigration agents, a ban on face coverings during operations, and a requirement for judicial warrants rather than internal approvals. Republicans have indicated some openness to parts of the proposal.
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The measure would extend DHS funding for two weeks, giving negotiators additional time to reach a compromise on immigration enforcement tactics.
Public anger has grown following the death of nurse Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal agents on Saturday. His death marked the second fatal incident this month involving a US citizen with no criminal record during immigration enforcement operations, prompting the Trump administration to scale back activities in the area.
