U.S. government operations resumed on Tuesday after President Donald Trump approved a wide-ranging spending measure, ending a partial shutdown that had lasted three days. While the new law secures funding for most agencies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require new funding in just two weeks as immigration policy negotiations continue.
The package, which cleared the House by a narrow 217-214 vote before reaching the White House, arrived after the Senate’s approval of five remaining appropriations bills. These bills secure government funding through September for the majority of federal agencies, while a two-week extension was included for DHS as lawmakers discuss changes to immigration enforcement.
Republican leadership and President Trump worked to unify their party behind the measure, despite internal reservations, aiming to prevent another prolonged government shutdown similar to the previous 43-day closure.
The recent funding lapse began when Democrats declined to support further DHS appropriations following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent operations.
Democratic lawmakers insisted on stricter oversight of immigration enforcement before agreeing to additional DHS funding. Their stipulations included requirements for federal agents to use body cameras, avoid wearing masks in operations, adhere to a specific code of conduct, and secure arrest warrants for undocumented immigrants.
While most agencies now have budget stability, the spending package implements moderate overall reductions but preserves funding for programs such as the National Institutes of Health, Pell Grants, and election security.
The bill also advances priorities sought by President Trump, including a pay increase for military personnel and added investments in aviation safety. Conversely, it significantly reduces international aid spending, following the administration’s closure of USAID in the previous year.
