Expand / Collapse search
☰

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

By FOX 5 DC Digital Team
Updated  February 3, 2026 1:14pm EST
News
FOX 5 DC
Government Shutdown 2026: House set for key vote

Government Shutdown 2026: House set for key vote

Virginia Democratic Congressman James Walkinshaw has introduced a bill to protect and pay all federal employees and service members during shutdowns. He spoke with FOX 5 to discuss the proposal.

The Brief

    • House advances a funding package, moving closer to ending the partial shutdown.
    • A final vote expected Tuesday afternoon.
    • The plan includes a short‑term DHS extension through Feb. 13.

WASHINGTON - Speaker Mike Johnson’s effort to execute President Donald Trump’s strategy on government funding appears on track ahead of a House vote this afternoon to end the partial shutdown.

Johnson secured an early win when House Republicans held together just enough to clear a key procedural vote.

Only one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, joined all Democrats in opposing the move to advance the bill.

The legislation would end the partial shutdown that began Saturday, funding most federal agencies through Sept. 30 and extending Homeland Security funding for two weeks while lawmakers negotiate potential changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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

The Source: Information in this article comes from the Associated Press. 

NewsWashington, D.C.Politics