The BareStory
A partial government shutdown has entered its third day as lawmakers in the House prepare to consider a spending package aimed at reopening federal agencies. The proposed agreement, which originated in the Senate, contains five full-year funding bills but separates Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding into a short-term, two-week continuing resolution to allow time for further negotiations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to advance the legislation primarily with Republican support, though he faces resistance from within his own party. According to reports, some conservative lawmakers have conditioned their support on the inclusion of measures preventing noncitizen voting, while others favor a DHS extension lasting six weeks or longer.
Negotiations remain stalled over immigration enforcement policies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that an agreement on judicial warrants for immigration operations is a condition for moving forward. Speaker Johnson, however, has expressed opposition to Democratic demands regarding enforcement protocols, including requirements for warrants, identification, and masks during operations.
Senator John Fetterman acknowledged that the current shutdown would not halt Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, stating that the agency has already received significant funding through legislation signed by President Donald Trump. While Fetterman voiced support for deporting criminal migrants, he noted that negotiations are necessary to determine the scope of enforcement regarding other groups.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that a comprehensive DHS deal is unlikely to be finalized within the proposed two-week window, predicting a series of short-term resolutions may follow. The legislative math in the House remains tight; Speaker Johnson’s majority is set to narrow to a single-vote margin following the swearing-in of a new Democratic member on Monday.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• You may see a resumption of suspended federal services if the House passes a proposed spending package, which includes full-year funding for five distinct appropriations bills to reopen agencies.
• Immigration enforcement operations in your community will likely continue without interruption despite the current legislative impasse, as ICE has already received funding through separate legislation.
• You should anticipate ongoing instability regarding Department of Homeland Security funding, as Senate leaders predict a series of short-term resolutions will be necessary rather than a comprehensive immediate deal.
• The protocols governing immigration raids in the U.S. remain under negotiation, with potential outcomes affecting whether agents are required to obtain judicial warrants or wear masks during operations.
