Washington DC [US]: A partial shutdown of the United States federal government came into effect early Saturday local time after lawmakers failed to complete the funding process before the deadline, according to ABC News.
The shutdown took effect despite the US Senate clearing a revised set of government funding measures late Friday. However, the House of Representatives is not expected to take up and approve the amended package until at least Monday, leaving several federal operations temporarily unfunded.
In a key development, the Senate voted to carve out extended funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after reaching a short-term agreement with the White House. The move allows lawmakers two additional weeks to negotiate Democratic demands related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including proposals that would require agents to wear visible body cameras and prohibit the use of face coverings during operations.
The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 71–29, with five Republicans — Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson and Rick Scott — opposing the bill. The legislation will now move to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to bring it to the floor. Under House rules, the package will require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Strong bipartisan backing will be needed for the legislation to clear Congress and reach President Donald Trump for final approval. The path for the Senate vote was cleared earlier on Friday after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham withdrew his procedural hold on the bill. Graham said he did so after receiving assurances from Senate Majority Leader John Thune that a vote on banning sanctuary cities would be scheduled in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated Democratic concerns over ICE enforcement practices, calling for significant reforms. “When you see those images, know that something is dramatically wrong and it must change,” Schumer said, urging Republicans to support stricter oversight measures. He warned that Democratic support for funding bills would hinge on meaningful action, adding that lawmakers had limited time to deliver results as the nation watches closely.
