Government shutdown begins as Congress barrels toward spending deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Fox News) — Federal government faces partial shutdown as Congress fails to agree on budget
Shutdown Preparations Begin
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is preparing federal agencies for a partial shutdown starting after midnight on Jan. 31. Only certain areas, like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice, are fully funded.
Senate Democrats Walk Away
Senate Democrats abandoned a bipartisan deal to fund the government for the rest of FY 2026 after disagreements over President Donald Trump’s actions in Minneapolis. This led to a potential shutdown that could impact services like Medicaid and Medicare.
New Funding Agreement
Senate Democrats reached a deal with the White House to fund all areas except the Department of Homeland Security through Sept. 30. President Trump praised the agreement on Truth Social, urging Republican support.
Senate Republicans Express Frustration
Some Senate Republicans were displeased with the funding package due to earmarks and provisions like allowing senators to sue for phone record subpoenas. Senate Majority Leader John Thune advanced the modified package with Senate Democrat support.
House Vote Pending
The House must vote again on the modified funding plan passed by the Senate, which will determine the duration of the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson must gather support from both parties next week.
Caption: The government is in a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass an agreement on federal funding in time for the Jan. 30 deadline.
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