Intro: Trump signed the funding package into law this afternoon, ending a brief shutdown that started on Saturday.
Washington DC
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, officially ending the partial federal government shutdown after three days. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he was “thrilled” to reopen most government operations for the rest of the fiscal year. The bill restores funding to many critical departments but sets a new funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in two weeks.
The US House approved the package 217-214 after weeks of negotiations. While most Democrats opposed the bill, 21 voted in favor, and 21 Republicans voted against it. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that without major reforms at DHS, a full-year appropriations bill could face serious challenges.
The legislation ensures Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue operating smoothly. ICE and other DHS programs had been relying on $170 billion appropriated under last year’s Republican tax and spending law.
Trump praised House Speaker Mike Johnson for his leadership in passing the bill, calling it “incredible work.” Johnson highlighted the importance of DHS functions beyond immigration and urged bipartisan cooperation to prevent another shutdown in two weeks.
Officials now hope the temporary funding solution buys time for lawmakers to negotiate reforms and long-term appropriations. Analysts say the bill demonstrates political compromise, though the looming DHS deadline signals continued tension in Congress over federal spending priorities.
What to know today
SHUTDOWN ENDS: The House passed a massive funding package to end the brief government shutdown that began Saturday. President Donald Trump signed the measure into law hours later.
TRUMP-PETRO MEETING: Trump held his first meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House. The two leaders, who have traded insults and threats over the past year, struck an unexpectedly friendly tone after their sit-down.
ELECTIONS DEBATE: Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he is “not in favor” of federalizing elections a day after Trump said on a podcast that Republicans “ought to nationalize the voting.”
GUN RIGHTS BACKLASH: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia, faces widespread criticism from conservatives after she said in a Fox News interview yesterday that anyone who brings a gun into the nation’s capital would face jail time.