WASHINGTON (AP) — The partial government shutdown that began Saturday differs significantly from past closures, primarily due to the expectation it might not last long. Lawmakers in the House are scheduled to return Monday, aiming to pass funding legislation to quickly end the shutdown. Half of this year's funding bills have already been passed, allowing several federal agencies and programs to continue operations until September, including nutrition assistance programs that remain unaffected.
However, agencies like the Pentagon, Homeland Security, and Transportation could face temporary funding lapses. Essential functions will persist, but personnel may face delays in pay, and some could be furloughed if the impasse extends.
The current shutdown stems from a breakdown in the government funding process, which had previously been proceeding smoothly. The recent shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis fueled outrage among Democrats, who demand revisions to immigration enforcement measures within the funding bills.
In an effort to avert a prolonged shutdown, President Donald Trump's administration reached a temporary agreement with Democrats to fund DHS at current levels for two weeks, while further negotiations unfold. Following the Senate's approval of five funding bills, the final decision rests on the House, which reconvenes Monday, leading to a brief lapse in funding for several governmental functions.
Previous brief shutdowns have typically gone unnoticed by the public, with only minimal impacts on services. This time, impacts on essential agencies, including the Department of Transportation, may potentially disrupt air travel as air traffic control functions could operate without funding.
Despite these funding issues, critical programs like SNAP and WIC remain fully funded, ensuring that nutrition assistance continues for millions of Americans. The administration indicates that FEMA should be equipped to respond to ongoing disasters, but the situation remains fluid as Congress works toward a resolution.
However, agencies like the Pentagon, Homeland Security, and Transportation could face temporary funding lapses. Essential functions will persist, but personnel may face delays in pay, and some could be furloughed if the impasse extends.
The current shutdown stems from a breakdown in the government funding process, which had previously been proceeding smoothly. The recent shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis fueled outrage among Democrats, who demand revisions to immigration enforcement measures within the funding bills.
In an effort to avert a prolonged shutdown, President Donald Trump's administration reached a temporary agreement with Democrats to fund DHS at current levels for two weeks, while further negotiations unfold. Following the Senate's approval of five funding bills, the final decision rests on the House, which reconvenes Monday, leading to a brief lapse in funding for several governmental functions.
Previous brief shutdowns have typically gone unnoticed by the public, with only minimal impacts on services. This time, impacts on essential agencies, including the Department of Transportation, may potentially disrupt air travel as air traffic control functions could operate without funding.
Despite these funding issues, critical programs like SNAP and WIC remain fully funded, ensuring that nutrition assistance continues for millions of Americans. The administration indicates that FEMA should be equipped to respond to ongoing disasters, but the situation remains fluid as Congress works toward a resolution.
