Trump Signs Bill to End Partial Government Shutdown, Setting Stage for Next Fight

President Donald Trump signed a roughly $1.2 trillion government funding bill that ended a brief partial federal shutdown and funds most of the government for the fiscal year, while leaving a looming battle in Congress over additional funding — especially for the Department of Homeland Security.

By Robert Kim – Staff Correspondent

Last Updated: Feb. 2, 2026

Shutdown Ends After House, Senate Approval

President Donald Trump signed the government funding bill on Tuesday after the House narrowly approved it 217‑214, following Senate passage earlier. The bipartisan measure restores funding for most federal departments through September 30, effectively ending a partial shutdown that had left some agencies unfunded after temporary appropriations lapsed. Lawmakers worked quickly to reopen the government, citing the need to resume full operations and ensure federal employees return to their duties. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Funding Details and Limits

The spending package, totaling roughly $1.2 trillion, includes full‑year funding for most federal agencies and programs through the end of the fiscal year. However, the Department of Homeland Security — including agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement — is only funded through a short extension lasting until Feb. 13. This limited funding window reflects ongoing disputes over policy conditions attached to DHS appropriations, pushing a fresh negotiation deadline to mid‑February. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Partisan Divisions Over Immigration Enforcement

The compromise that ended the shutdown was shaped in part by Democrats’ demand for reforms to federal immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. Democratic leaders have insisted on measures such as body cameras for ICE agents, additional oversight, and changes in enforcement practices as conditions for supporting further DHS funding. Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed willingness to negotiate but highlighted challenges in reconciling divergent priorities. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Back Pay and Federal Operations Resuming

With the government now funded, furloughed federal workers are expected to return to work and receive back pay for the period of the shutdown, restoring normal operations across critical services that had experienced disruptions. Office of Personnel Management guidance directed agencies to reinstate operations following the bill’s enactment, marking a swift end to the shutdown that lasted only a few days after appropriations failed to pass. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Next Funding Fight Looms

Despite ending the shutdown, lawmakers face a new battle over how to address funding for the Department of Homeland Security beyond Feb. 13. If negotiations over immigration enforcement and spending priorities falter, further partial shutdowns remain possible. Congressional leaders on both sides have signaled firm stances, indicating that the next round of budget talks — especially over DHS — could prove even more contentious as the next deadline approaches. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}