On February 3, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding package, officially ending a partial government shutdown that had paralyzed federal agencies since the previous Friday. The move follows a high-stakes standoff in Congress, primarily centered on immigration enforcement and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding.
The Deal That Reopened the Government
The shutdown, which lasted four days, was resolved after the House narrowly passed the spending measure in a 217-214 vote.
* Broad Funding: The package secures full-year funding through September 30, 2026, for several major departments, including Defense, Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Transportation.
* The Compromise: To break the deadlock, lawmakers agreed to a two-week stopgap for the Department of Homeland Security. This "mini-extension" funds DHS only until February 13, 2026, buying time for further negotiations.
* Key Victories: While the Trump administration had initially sought deep cuts to agencies like the CDC and the Department of Education, the final bill largely maintains level funding for these programs, according to congressional reports.
Why the Shutdown Happened
The primary flashpoint was the administration's mass deportation campaign. Senate Democrats, fueled by public outcry over two high-profile fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, refused to approve full-year DHS funding without new oversight and restrictions on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
By decoupling DHS from the other agencies, Congress was able to reopen the majority of the government while leaving the most contentious debate for a later date.
What’s Next?
The "peace" may be short-lived. With the February 13 deadline for DHS approaching:
* Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, has warned that no further funding will be approved without "dramatic change" to immigration operations.
* President Trump, upon signing the bill in the Oval Office, touted the legislation as a "great victory" and emphasized his commitment to border security.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed federal employees to return to their duty stations as of February 4, 2026.
