Muhammad
Washington, D.C. — U.S. breaking news continues to unfold as a partial government shutdown enters its second day, with funding lapsed for major federal agencies since midnight Saturday. The lapse stems from Congress missing a critical January 30 deadline, despite a last-minute Senate deal that funds most of the government through September while extending only two weeks for the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. breaking news sources report the Senate passed the package late Friday in a bipartisan vote, but the House — still in recess over the weekend — could not act in time. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence Sunday that the chamber will pass the measure early this week, potentially ending the partial government shutdown by Tuesday. “We’re confident we have the votes,” Johnson told reporters, adding that the House Rules Committee meets Monday to begin the process.
This partial government shutdown differs sharply from the record 43-day closure that began Fiscal Year 2026 in October 2025. That prolonged impasse caused widespread disruption. This time, several agencies already received full-year funding earlier, including Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment. Essential operations in those areas continue largely unaffected.
However, the funding lapse hits hard elsewhere. The Department of Defense, Transportation, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Treasury, State Department, and Homeland Security (beyond the short extension) face operational halts for non-essential functions. Air traffic controllers and many safety-critical roles remain on duty, but furloughs have begun for thousands of federal workers. National parks and monuments — iconic symbols of American heritage — now display closure signs, barring visitors from popular sites.
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The root cause ties directly to fierce partisan battles over immigration enforcement. Senate Democrats refused full-year funding for Homeland Security without reforms following recent fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by ICE agents in Minneapolis. The two-week DHS extension buys time for negotiations on guardrails for enforcement operations. President Trump and congressional leaders struck the compromise Thursday, but the delayed House return ensured the lapse occurred.
Federal workers now navigate uncertainty. Many received furlough notices over the weekend, facing unpaid time off unless back pay is authorized later — a common outcome in past shutdowns. Unions and advocacy groups express frustration, warning of morale damage and service delays. SNAP benefits, FEMA operations, and other programs could face disruptions if the impasse drags on, though officials emphasize that most safety-net payments continue for now.
U.S. breaking news coverage highlights the political stakes. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, indicated they will not support expedited procedures, forcing Republicans to navigate the regular rule process with little room for defections. One GOP defection could delay passage further. Meanwhile, the White House directed agencies to execute “orderly shutdown” plans, though OMB officials stress hope for a swift resolution.
This brief lapse — potentially just days — still carries real consequences. Families planning winter visits to national parks face disappointment. Federal contractors brace for delayed payments and halted projects. Everyday Americans feel the ripple effects through closed offices and uncertain services.
As lawmakers return to Capitol Hill Monday, all eyes focus on whether compromise holds or new demands emerge. U.S. breaking news will track every development in this fast-moving story. For now, the partial government shutdown underscores Washington’s recurring struggle to fund the government amid deep divisions over policy and power.
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Image Credits & Courtesy All images are sourced from widely disseminated news-service photography, public-domain government visuals, or editorial-use graphics suitable for journalistic illustration. Specific courtesy:
- Congressional scenes and funding bill discussions: Associated Press, Getty Images, and Reuters news wire imagery (widely licensed for editorial use).
- Closed national park and monument signs: National Park Service public-domain photos and news-service coverage of past shutdown impacts.
- Federal workers and furlough protests: Getty Images and Associated Press — used under standard fair editorial reporting conventions.
No private or restricted copyrighted images are included. All selections serve illustrative, non-commercial editorial purposes and follow common journalistic attribution norms.
