That 4 percent is very important
Trump signed legislation funding 96% of federal government through September 30, ending shutdown that began Saturday and defunding NPR, PBS, and USAID. Democrats demand substantial ICE reforms before approving Department of Homeland Security funding, citing deadly Minnesota immigration enforcement operation.
- Trump signed $1.2 trillion spending bill on February 3, 2026, ending four-day shutdown
- Bill funds 96% of federal government through September 30; DHS gets only two weeks of funding
- Two people fatally shot by ICE agents in Minnesota immigration enforcement operation
- Democrats demand substantial ICE reforms before approving additional DHS funding
President Trump signed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan spending bill ending a four-day federal shutdown, though disputes over immigration enforcement funding threaten another closure in two weeks.
President Trump signed a $1.2 trillion spending bill on Tuesday, February 3rd, ending a four-day federal shutdown that had left much of the government semiparalyzed since the previous Saturday. The bipartisan measure, which passed the House of Representatives that afternoon, funds the vast majority of federal operations through September 30th, though it leaves the Department of Homeland Security on a short leash with only two weeks of financing attached.
Before signing, Trump highlighted what he saw as victories embedded in the legislation. The bill eliminates federal funding for NPR and PBS and consolidates the closure of USAID, moves the president framed as wins for the American people. "I'm delighted to sign the Consolidated Appropriations Act to immediately reopen the federal government and fund the vast majority of operations for the remainder of the fiscal year," he said. The overall package represents what Trump called "a great victory."
But the shutdown's resolution masks a deeper conflict waiting in the wings. Democrats have made clear they will not approve any additional temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security—which oversees the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Border Patrol, and related operations—without substantial changes to how those agencies conduct immigration enforcement. The demand stems directly from a recent ICE operation in Minnesota where federal agents fatally shot two people during an immigration enforcement action, an incident that has drawn intense scrutiny and criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House, wasted no time staking out his party's position. "We need drastic change to ensure that ICE and other Department of Homeland Security agencies behave like any other police organization in the country," he said. The warning signals that another shutdown is possible when the two-week funding window closes, unless Republicans agree to meaningful restrictions on immigration enforcement operations.
Republican leaders struck a different tone. Mike Johnson, the Republican House Speaker, expressed hope that both parties could reach agreement during the two-week window and urged Democrats to negotiate in good faith. "It's not the time to play games with that funding," Johnson said, adding that Trump had once again extended an olive branch. But Senate Republican leader John Thune offered a more cautious assessment when asked about the prospects for a deal. "There are always miracles, aren't there?" he told reporters—a comment that suggested skepticism about finding common ground.
This shutdown proved far less severe than the previous one, which lasted a record 43 days. Congress had managed to pass certain appropriations bills before the paralysis began, which meant critical programs like nutritional assistance and the full operation of national parks and historic sites already had funding through September 30th. With the Tuesday vote, 96 percent of the federal government is now financed, leaving only 4 percent unfunded. Johnson acknowledged the math but underscored the stakes. "That 4 percent is very important," he said.
The two-week countdown has begun. Democrats are demanding fundamental changes to immigration enforcement; Republicans are urging patience and good-faith negotiation. The question hanging over Washington is whether either side will move, or whether the cycle of shutdown threats and last-minute deals has become the new normal.
Citas Notables
We need drastic change to ensure that ICE and other Department of Homeland Security agencies behave like any other police organization in the country— Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic House leader
That 4 percent is very important— Mike Johnson, Republican House Speaker
La Conversación del Hearth Otra perspectiva de la historia
Why did Trump highlight the defunding of NPR and PBS in a spending bill that's supposed to be about keeping the government open?
Because for Trump and his allies, this shutdown wasn't just about money—it was an opportunity to attach policy wins they couldn't get through normal legislative channels. Defunding those agencies was a priority, and the shutdown gave them leverage to include it.
So the real fight isn't over yet?
Not at all. The shutdown is technically over, but the Department of Homeland Security only has two weeks of funding. That's where the actual battle is happening—over how ICE operates and whether Democrats can force reforms.
What changed between this shutdown and the last one that lasted 43 days?
Congress learned from that disaster. They passed some appropriations bills before the shutdown hit, so essential services like food assistance and national parks didn't go dark. This time, 96 percent of government stayed funded. It was a partial shutdown, not a total one.
But Democrats are drawing a line in the sand over immigration enforcement?
Yes. The Minnesota operation where ICE agents killed two people gave them both moral authority and political cover to demand real changes. They're saying they won't fund DHS again without substantial reforms to how those agencies operate.
Do you think they'll get those reforms?
The Republican Senate leader basically said "miracles happen"—which tells you how unlikely he thinks it is. Both sides are dug in. We're probably looking at another crisis in two weeks.