US Government Enters Partial Shutdown as Congress Misses 2026 Budget Deadline
The US government has entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to approve the 2026 federal budget before the midnight deadline, resulting in a temporary lapse in federal funding. The shutdown affects approximately three-quarters of federal operations, including departments overseeing education, health, housing, and defense .
The funding lapse followed a breakdown in negotiations amid Democratic outrage over the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration agents, stalling discussions on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Senate had approved a package covering five remaining funding bills to finance most federal agencies through September, along with a two-week stopgap measure for DHS, giving negotiators more time to resolve disputes over immigration enforcement .
President Donald Trump expressed support for the Senate-backed deal and urged the House to act quickly, signaling his desire to prevent a lengthy shutdown. This marks the second government shutdown of his second term, following last fall’s record-long stoppage that halted federal services for over a month .
The immediate effects of the shutdown are expected to be limited, as many federal offices are closed over the weekend. However, if the shutdown extends, tens of thousands of federal employees could face unpaid leave or be required to work without pay until funding is restored . #US Government Enters Partial Shutdown as Congress Misses 2026 Budget Deadline#
