Agencies Brace for Partial Shutdown as Lawmakers Aim to Mitigate Impact
Government agencies are girding for a partial shutdown as lawmakers move to address a potential funding lapse. On Friday, the Senate passed a spending package that aims to mitigate the impact of a shutdown, which could come as early as midnight. The package emerged from negotiations between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats.
Agencies Prepare for Partial Shutdown
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) indicated that preparations for a funding lapse have been underway this week. An OMB spokesperson noted that impacted agencies have been advised to initiate shutdown procedures if funding runs out.
Senate Votes on Spending Package
The Senate’s approval of the spending package sends it to the House, which is not scheduled to reconvene until Monday. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) acknowledged that he would face difficult decisions regarding the need to hold a session over the weekend to pass the Senate bill.
IRS Operations
- The IRS announced that all staff would remain “exempt from furlough” through February 7, should the shutdown continue.
- The agency has commenced this year’s tax filing season and is utilizing funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to support operations and modernize systems.
Funding and Departmental Impact
The Senate’s spending package encompasses a two-week continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and five additional appropriations bills intended to sustain various federal departments through the fiscal year. This includes funding for a variety of agencies, such as:
- Department of Defense
- Department of Labor
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Education
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
Immigration Enforcement and Safety Provisions
As lawmakers negotiate further provisions, there is particular concern regarding immigration enforcement. Recent fatalities involving Border Patrol and ICE further heighten scrutiny. Following the death of Alex Pretti, a nurse, calls for improved regulations have intensified. Advocates are urging for:
- An end to indiscriminate patrols by immigration officials.
- A ban on entry into private residences without a judicial warrant.
- Implementation of body cameras for federal immigration agents.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) emphasized the necessity for tangible progress, while Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-Maine) noted the importance of thoroughly investigating recent tragic incidents related to DHS operations.
Amid the looming possibility of a government shutdown, lawmakers are faced with critical decisions that will shape the federal landscape in the upcoming fiscal year.
