Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump is pressing House lawmakers to approve a Senate-amended spending package without changes to end a partial federal government shutdown that began early Saturday. The debate has also drawn in GOP demands tied to the SAVE Act, which would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote—an idea Democrats say would block any final deal.

January 31, 2026 Reported by AI

The U.S. Senate approved a spending package on Friday to fund most federal agencies through September, but the House's recess delayed approval, triggering a partial government shutdown. The measure isolates Department of Homeland Security funding for two weeks amid demands for immigration enforcement reforms following deadly shootings in Minneapolis. Lawmakers expect the brief lapse to have minimal impact if the House acts swiftly on Monday.

The longest U.S. federal shutdown concluded late last Wednesday, reopening government agencies after 43 days. However, experts warn of lasting fractures in the nation's food supply chain due to halted operations at USDA and FDA. These disruptions, combined with prior policy changes, threaten farmers, food safety, and access for vulnerable communities.

November 16, 2025 Reported by AI

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia sharply criticized House Democrats for attacking Senate Democrats' decision to end the longest government shutdown in history. Appearing on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Kaine defended the vote as essential to avoid further harm to federal workers and the public. He urged House members to focus on their own leadership rather than interfering in Senate matters.

Congress passed a stopgap funding package on November 12, 2025, ending the longest U.S. government shutdown on record after 43 days. President Donald Trump signed the measure late Wednesday, reopening federal agencies. The plan funds most government operations through January 30, 2026, while leaving disputes over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies unresolved.

November 12, 2025 Reported by AI Fact checked

A new National Federation of Independent Business report shows small-business optimism softened in October and hiring remains difficult, as owners cite health coverage costs as a mounting strain. The findings arrive as the Senate passes a bill to end a 41-day government shutdown fueled in part by a fight over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.