Q&A: How does a partial government shutdown work?

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 5:01 AM

The US government entered a partial shutdown due to Congress failing to approve a budget by the deadline, despite a last-minute deal in the Senate.

The shutdown affects unfunded agencies while some operations, like parks and Social Security, remain open.

Story Timeline: Senate Passes Funding Deal, Averting Lengthy Government Shutdown

Jan 31, 2026

Q&A: How does a partial government shutdown work?(current)

As a partial government shutdown looms, Democrats want constraints on the Department of Homeland Security’s activities passed into law.

Democrats pushing for immigration-enforcement changes say they won’t help House Republicans pass funding measures.

President Trump signed the bill into law, setting the stage for immigration enforcement talks.

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