Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 31: The United States government slipped into a partial shutdown early Saturday after lawmakers failed to pass a full-year 2026 budget before the midnight deadline, though congressional leaders indicated the disruption is likely to be brief.

The funding lapse came after negotiations collapsed following sharp Democratic opposition linked to the killing of two protesters in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents, an issue that stalled talks on fresh allocations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

With the deadline missed, nearly three-quarters of federal government operations were impacted, affecting agencies overseeing education, health, housing and defence. Departments began preparing contingency plans overnight, though leaders from both parties said a prolonged shutdown appeared unlikely.

Late Friday, the Senate passed legislation clearing five pending appropriations bills to fund most federal agencies through September, along with a two-week stopgap to keep DHS operational while negotiations on immigration enforcement continue. The House was not in session when the deadline expired and is scheduled to reconvene on Monday.

President Donald Trump backed the Senate compromise and urged the House to act swiftly, signalling his intent to avoid an extended shutdown, the second of his current term, following a record-length stoppage last fall that disrupted services for over a month.

The Senate breakthrough came after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham lifted a procedural hold that had blocked the package. He withdrew his objection after assurances that future votes would be held on legislation he is sponsoring related to action against so-called sanctuary cities.

Democrats, however, remained united in opposing additional DHS funding without reforms to immigration enforcement, citing the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. Party leaders accused immigration authorities of operating with inadequate oversight and demanded stricter safeguards and accountability measures.

The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo late Friday instructing agencies to prepare for an “orderly shutdown,” while expressing hope that the funding lapse would be short-lived.