WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday to end the government shutdown and reopen federal offices. The measure provides temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through mid-February.
The bill passed with a narrow 217-214 vote after 21 House Democrats joined the Republican majority.
Funding Details and Deadlines
While the DHS received a two-week extension, the bill funds several other major federal departments through September 2026. This includes the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, State, and Labor.
The two-week extension gives lawmakers time to negotiate potential changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These agencies are responsible for border security and immigration enforcement.
Internal Party Disagreements
The vote followed significant debate within both parties. Twenty-one conservative Republicans voted against the bill to protest the removal of an earlier plan that would have funded the Department of Homeland Security for the entire year.
House Democrats were also split over their strategy. Some members wanted to use the shutdown to demand specific changes to immigration agencies. This push for reform grew after federal agents were involved in the recent fatal shootings of two people. The incidents increased pressure for more accountability and policy changes within ICE and CBP.
Upcoming Negotiations
Negotiations over the next two weeks are expected to be difficult. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says he opposes Democratic plans that would require federal immigration agents to get warrants.
At the same time, members of the House Freedom Caucus—a group of conservative Republicans—are demanding a seat at the negotiating table. The group has listed the changes they require to support a long-term funding plan for immigration agencies.
The temporary measure allows the government to reopen while leaders try to settle ongoing disagreements over immigration policy and agency oversight.
