Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Feb 3: The U.S. House of Representatives is set to take up legislation on Monday aimed at lifting a partial federal government shutdown that began over the weekend, with a final vote expected on Tuesday.
Funding for the Pentagon, the Department of Transportation and several other federal agencies lapsed on Saturday after disagreements over immigration enforcement stalled approval of a spending bill. However, disruptions have so far remained limited, as essential workers, including military personnel and air traffic controllers, have continued their duties.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. government has experienced 10 funding gaps lasting three days or less since 1977, most of which had minimal impact. Unlike the record 43-day shutdown in October–November 2025, the current shutdown is widely expected to be short-lived.
A bipartisan deal to restore funding while allowing further negotiations on immigration enforcement passed the Senate by a large margin on Friday. Republican leaders in the House are now preparing for a swift vote. Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the House’s third-ranking Republican, said the chamber is scheduled to vote on the measure on Tuesday, following consideration by a House committee. Debate on the bill could extend late into the night.
However, passage is not assured. Republicans hold a narrow 218–213 majority in the House, a margin set to shrink further once Democrat Christian Menefee of Texas is sworn in.
Several House Democrats have voiced opposition to the agreement, negotiated between U.S. President Donald Trump and Senate leaders, arguing that it fails to provide sufficient time to discuss new limits on federal immigration agents involved in Trump’s enforcement crackdown. Tensions have intensified following the killing of two U.S. citizens by Department of Homeland Security agents in Minnesota last month, an incident that triggered widespread outrage.
At the same time, resistance is also expected from some Republicans on the party’s right flank, adding uncertainty to the outcome of the vote.