House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Sunday he is confident the partial government shutdown will end by Tuesday, despite logistical challenges and a lack of Democratic support. The shutdown began on Saturday after Congress failed to approve a spending package before the Jan. 30 deadline.
Core Facts
- Johnson stated he has the Republican votes to pass the Senate-approved spending package by Tuesday, though the House will need to act without Democratic support.
- The Senate passed a modified spending package on Jan. 30 that separates Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding from the rest of the government, allowing for a two-week negotiation period on immigration enforcement reforms.
Deeper Dive & Context
Logistical and Political Challenges
Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of convening House members due to a recent snowstorm in the southeastern U.S. He also noted that Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have not committed to supporting the bill, forcing Republicans to rely on their own votes.
Immigration and DHS Funding Debate
The Senate’s modified package strips DHS funding from the broader spending bill, a move prompted by Democratic concerns over ICE’s actions following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Johnson said the House will fund all agencies except DHS by Tuesday, followed by two weeks of negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms.
Historical Context
The current shutdown is expected to be brief compared to the 43-day shutdown in the fall of 2025, which was the longest in U.S. history and cost the economy an estimated $11 billion. Lawmakers have emphasized avoiding a repeat of that economic disruption.
Opposing Views
Some Democrats remain opposed to providing any funding to ICE, even temporarily, while Republicans argue they are taking governing seriously by advancing the spending package. The House Rules Committee is set to meet on Monday to begin the process of passing the bill.