Government Shutdown 2026: Bill clears key House hurdle toward ending partial shutdown

WASHINGTON - The House moved closer to ending the partial government shutdown after about an hour of negotiations, with Republicans using their narrow majority to clear a key procedural hurdle.

A final vote is expected Tuesday afternoon, which would complete congressional work on 11 of the annual appropriations bills that fund the government through the 2026 fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

The remaining bill involves the Department of Homeland Security, where Democrats are pushing for tighter limits on ICE operations. 

The package before the House includes a short‑term funding extension for the department through Feb. 13.

President Donald Trump has said he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.

What to know about the partial government shutdown

The partial government shutdown is very different from the record‑long closure in the fall.

That’s largely because this shutdown, which began Saturday, affects only part of the federal government and may not last long, even as it stretches into a new week.

House leaders had hoped to quickly pass funding legislation when lawmakers returned Monday evening, which would have ended the shutdown. 

But Speaker Mike Johnson, R‑La., now says he hopes to bring the package considered "at least by Tuesday" as he works to secure votes and Democrats push for deeper changes to immigration enforcement.

Congress has already approved half of this year’s spending bills, allowing several major agencies and programs to operate through September. Nutrition assistance programs, for example, should continue without disruption.

Funding has lapsed, at least temporarily, for the Pentagon and agencies including Homeland Security and Transportation. Essential operations are continuing, but employees could go unpaid if the stalemate persists, and some may face furloughs.

READ MORE: Government Shutdown 2025 Update: Trump signs bill, ending record 43 day disruption