Partial US Government Shutdown Continues as House Delays Vote

A partial shutdown of the US federal government started after funding expired at midnight on January 31, 2026. The situation developed as Congress had not completed all required appropriations bills for the fiscal year.

By the end of January, only half of the twelve full-year funding bills had been approved by Congress. This left several federal agencies without funding, resulting in a partial shutdown affecting government operations.

On January 29, 2026, Senate negotiators reached an agreement to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from other appropriations. The plan included passing five additional appropriations bills and a two-week continuing resolution for DHS funding.

The Senate approved this arrangement with a 71-29 vote on January 30, 2026. However, the House of Representatives did not immediately take up the Senate-passed agreement for consideration.

What the numbers show

• Partial shutdown began at 12:01 AM EST on January 31, 2026
• Six out of twelve full-year appropriations bills passed by late January
• Senate voted 71-29 in favor of the funding agreement on January 30, 2026

Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House would not vote on the revised funding agreement until Monday, February 2, 2026. This delay extended the partial shutdown for several more days as negotiations continued.

According to media reports, House Republican leaders are working to secure enough support to pass a funding package. Their efforts rely on a narrow majority and some Democratic backing to move the process forward.

Fox News reported that the partial shutdown is expected to last at least until Tuesday. The House must act on a Senate-approved plan that would fund the Pentagon, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and transportation programs through September, while providing temporary funding for DHS as discussions continue over immigration enforcement policies.

As of early February 2026, the legislative process to end the partial shutdown remains ongoing. The outcome depends on the House aligning with the Senate's funding approach and reaching agreement on DHS funding provisions.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.