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US Government Enters Partial Shutdown as 2026 Budget Deadline Missed

The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass the 2026 federal budget by the deadline. The breakdown stemmed from Democratic outrage over the deaths of protesters involving federal immigration agents, stalling Homeland Security funding talks. Non-essential operations in departments like education, health, and defense are suspended, though leaders predict a brief disruption. The Senate has approved a stopgap funding package, and President Trump has urged the House to act quickly to end the shutdown.

Key Points: US Government Enters Partial Shutdown Over Budget Impasse

  • Congress missed budget deadline
  • DHS funding a key sticking point
  • Non-essential operations suspended
  • Senate passed stopgap measure
  • Second shutdown of Trump's second term
2 min read

US govt enters partial shutdown as Congress misses 2026 Budget deadline

The US government enters a partial shutdown after Congress fails to pass the 2026 budget, impacting federal operations and services.

"this Administration continues to make Americans less safe. - Senate Democratic Minority Whip Dick Durbin"

Washington, Jan 31

The United States government went into a partial shutdown on Saturday after Congress failed to approve the 2026 federal budget before the midnight deadline, resulting in a temporary lapse in federal funding.

Lawmakers indicated that the disruption could be short-lived, with the House expected to approve a Senate-backed funding package early next week.

The funding lapse followed a breakdown in negotiations amid Democratic outrage over the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration agents.

The incident reportedly stalled discussions on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a key sticking point in budget talks.

With no agreement in place by the deadline, many non-essential government operations were suspended.

Federal departments affected include those overseeing education, health, housing, and defence, among others. Officials said shutdown procedures were expected to begin overnight, although congressional leaders from both parties described a brief disruption as more likely than a prolonged closure due to the Senate's recent actions.

"Instead of going after drug smugglers, child predators, and human traffickers, the Trump Administration is wasting valuable resources targeting peaceful protestors in Chicago and Minneapolis," said Senate Democratic Minority Whip Dick Durbin, adding that "this Administration continues to make Americans less safe."

About three-quarters of federal operations are impacted, and if the shutdown extends, tens of thousands of federal employees could face unpaid leave or be required to work without pay until Congress restores funding.

Late on Friday, the Senate approved a package covering five remaining funding bills to finance most federal agencies through September, along with a two-week stopgap measure for the DHS, giving negotiators more time to resolve disputes over immigration enforcement.

President Donald Trump expressed support for the Senate-backed deal and urged the House to act quickly, signalling his desire to prevent a lengthy shutdown. This would mark the second government shutdown of his second term, following last fall's record-long stoppage that halted federal services for over a month.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who works for an MNC with US clients, this creates so much uncertainty. Project approvals get delayed, payments get stuck. It affects the global economy, including jobs here in India. They need to sort their politics out.
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Priyanka N
The trigger being protests and immigration enforcement is telling. It shows how domestic politics can hold an entire country hostage. Wonder if our MPs are watching this as a lesson in what *not* to do. 🤔
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Aman W
Second shutdown in his second term? And they call the US the model democracy. For all our coalition dramas, we haven't seen a complete government funding lapse like this. Puts things in perspective.
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Michael C
While the political blame game is unfortunate, I have to respectfully disagree with some comments here. The US system has checks and balances for a reason. A temporary shutdown to debate serious issues like enforcement protocols is part of that messy democracy. It usually gets resolved quickly.
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Kavya N
My cousin is a researcher on a grant from a US health agency. She's worried her funding might get delayed now. It's not just America that feels the impact. Hope it's short-lived as they say. 🙏

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