WASHINGTON — A partial United States government shutdown entered its third day on Monday, Feb. 2. The budget deadlock over changes to immigration rules continues to block funding for several major federal agencies.
The shutdown began early Saturday morning, Jan. 31, after funding ran out for several departments. Agencies currently without funding include the departments of Defense and Treasury, the federal court system, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The funding fight centers on a disagreement over how federal agents handle immigration. According to The Washington Post, the dispute intensified following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. The shootings occurred during an operation called "Operation Metro Surge."
The deaths have increased political pressure to reform DHS. In Minneapolis, thousands of demonstrators have protested the federal crackdown. House and Senate Democrats are demanding that any long-term funding include new requirements for agents. These include mandatory body cameras, a ban on wearing masks, and a new code of conduct.
The Plan to Reopen the Government
The U.S. Senate previously passed a plan to fund most of the government through September 2026. However, that agreement only included a two-week funding bill for DHS to allow more time for talks about reforming the agency.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he expects to pass a funding package by Tuesday, Feb. 3. Axios reported that Johnson plans to hold a vote that requires only a simple majority—more than half the members—to pass the bill. This strategy would allow the bill to move forward if he can secure enough Republican support.
However, House Democrats remain divided. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told Republican leaders on Jan. 31 that Democrats would not vote for the current plan unless it included major changes to immigration rules. Among House Democrats, some members say they will not agree to any deal without immediate reforms, while others favor a temporary bill just to end the shutdown.
Why a Deal May Be Difficult
Republican leaders noted that travel and timing issues could slow the process. The BBC reported that a winter storm could make it difficult for members to return to Washington on time. Because Republicans hold a tiny one-vote majority, every missing member makes it harder to pass the bill.
Additionally, some Republican members want to add other requirements to the spending bill. For example, Representative Anna Paulina Luna has proposed a rule requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon to see if the bill has enough support before Tuesday’s planned vote.
