• House Speaker Mike Johnson expects House passage of legislation on Tuesday to end the partial government shutdown, including a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • The shutdown began over the weekend after prior funding expired on January 30, following a bipartisan measure signed by President Trump in November that ended a prior 43-day shutdown.
  • Political tensions center on DHS reforms, particularly after a fatal shooting of a Minnesota nurse by federal officers last month, with Democrats pushing for ICE changes like body cameras and warrant requirements.

A Push to Reopen Government

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence late Monday that the House will approve legislation on Tuesday to bring an end to the partial U.S. government shutdown, according to people familiar with the matter. The move comes after the Senate passed a revised funding package on Friday, which includes a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), setting the stage for a critical floor vote.

The partial shutdown began over the weekend when prior funding expired on January 30, a situation stemming from the bipartisan measure signed by President Trump in November that ended a prior 43-day shutdown. The House Rules Committee advanced the five-bill package late Monday—funding Defense, State, Treasury, and other agencies—clearing it for consideration on Tuesday. Johnson emphasized the need to pass it without amendments, such as the SAVE Act, despite pushback from some conservatives, and without Democratic votes after Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined support on Saturday. President Trump has urged Republicans to approve the package unamended, adding pressure to unify the narrow GOP House majority.

Efforts to restructure its debt have hit a snag, but in this case, the focus is on DHS reforms. The impasse centers on immigration enforcement tensions, tied to DHS funding, which reflect broader border security debates influencing labor markets and trade. Democratic demands for ICE changes, including body cameras, ending roving patrols, unmasking agents, and warrant requirements, have gained traction after a fatal shooting of a Minnesota nurse by federal officers last month. Some of these proposals are supported by Republicans, while others are opposed as safety risks. Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to deescalate in Minneapolis, signaling a tactical shift from aggressive enforcement, according to sources close to the administration.

Without a deal, the company would be forced into bankruptcy, but here, a prolonged shutdown risks disrupting federal payments, contractor work, and services, potentially slowing GDP growth amid FY26 funding talks. The package would fund 96% of government operations upon passage, offering a temporary reprieve. Furloughs affect federal workers and services, with stakeholders including DHS/ICE employees facing reform scrutiny, immigrants fearing enforcement, and Minnesota communities reeling from the shooting, which lawmakers cite as inciting violence. Democrats view Senate passage as progress toward "substantial reform," while conservatives question the short DHS extension.

In a brief statement, Johnson said, "We are moving forward with good faith to resolve this quickly," though attempts to reach out for further comment were unsuccessful. The historical context shows this follows a 43-day shutdown ended in November 2025 via Trump's signed deal, with recurring lapses stemming from partisan fights over spending and immigration since FY24 appropriations disputes. Similar short-term continuing resolutions have repeatedly averted full shutdowns. Looking ahead, House passage on Tuesday would reopen the government, buying two weeks for DHS/ICE negotiations, but could lead to deeper reforms or escalation if talks fail. Experts note logistical hurdles like member travel but predict GOP unity under Trump pressure, as parallel state-level immigration frictions in Minnesota involve Trump admin deescalation via Homan. Jeffries' caucus is discussing next steps, with the House also considering FY26 funding amid these ongoing talks.