Key points
- Congress fails to approve 2026 budget
- Democrats angered over protester killings derails talks
- Senate passes stopgap, House vote expected
WASHINGTON, United States: The US government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday after lawmakers failed to approve a 2026 budget before the midnight deadline. However, disruption is expected to be limited, with the House of Representatives likely to endorse a Senate-backed agreement early next week.
The funding lapse followed stalled negotiations, driven by Democratic anger over the killing of two protesters in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents. The incident derailed talks over additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reports France 24.
Senate Democratic Minority Whip Dick Durbin accused the Trump administration of misdirecting resources, saying immigration authorities were targeting peaceful demonstrators rather than focusing on serious criminal threats.
Around three-quarters of federal operations are affected, potentially triggering shutdown procedures across major government departments, including education, health, housing and defence.
Federal agencies
Federal agencies were expected to begin implementing closure plans overnight, though leaders from both parties suggested the Senate’s action makes a brief shutdown far more likely than an extended standoff.
If the House approves the package as expected, government funding could be restored within days. A longer shutdown, however, could place tens of thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave or require them to work without immediate pay.
The Senate passed legislation covering most agencies through September, alongside a two-week measure to keep DHS operating while immigration funding negotiations continue.
President Donald Trump backed the Senate deal and urged swift House action to avoid another prolonged shutdown.
