House Rushes to End Shutdown as Trump Eyes Kennedy Center Closure

Lawmakers in Washington are moving fast to end a partial government shutdown that started Saturday morning at 12:01 a.m. ET, after Congress failed to pass funding bills by Friday's deadline. The shutdown affects key agencies like the Pentagon, Homeland Security, and Transportation, and it stems from a dispute over immigration enforcement following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. At the same time, President Donald Trump has proposed closing the Kennedy Center for two years to carry out major renovations.

Background

The government funding process was on track until recent events changed everything. Congress had already passed half of the 12 funding bills for fiscal year 2026, covering agencies like Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs. These bills keep those operations running through September. But six bills remain, including ones for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Defense (DOD), Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and others.

Tensions rose after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, during protests in Minneapolis against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The shootings happened this month, sparking outrage among Democrats. They demanded the DHS funding bill be pulled from the package unless it included reforms like a code of conduct for agents and requirements for them to show identification.

President Trump stepped in and worked out a deal with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The agreement separates DHS funding, providing temporary money at current levels for two weeks. This sets up more talks on ICE changes. The Senate passed the five-bill package Friday, but it needs House approval. The House did not meet over the weekend and returns Monday.

This is not the first shutdown in recent months. Last fall saw the longest in history at 43 days, tied to disputes over health insurance tax breaks. That one ended with a short-term funding bill through January 30, 2026, but failed to extend key subsidies, leading to higher insurance premiums for millions.

The current partial shutdown is expected to be short. House Speaker Mike Johnson said it could take a few days for a vote, pushing resolution into the week. Essential services continue, but non-essential workers face furloughs and delayed pay if it drags on.

Key Details

Several agencies are directly hit by the funding lapse. The Pentagon keeps essential functions going, but some staff could be furloughed. The Transportation Department oversees air traffic control, and a prolonged shutdown risks flight delays and cancellations, as seen in past closures.

DHS, which includes FEMA, faces the most heat. FEMA has $7 billion to $8 billion in its disaster fund, enough for the ongoing winter storm response. But flood insurance policies would pause, just like during the 43-day shutdown last year.

Passport and visa services at the State Department continue, with embassies open. A memo to employees noted that 18,946 of 27,206 direct hires are exempt from furloughs. Nonemergency tasks like website updates may slow.

Federal contractors face delays too. No new contracts or changes will issue, facilities may close, and invoices go unpaid during the lapse. Statutory deadlines for claims and protests do not extend.

On immigration, Democrats push for big changes. They want agents to remove masks, show names, end roving patrols, and require judicial warrants before home entries or car stops.

"What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed," House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. "Masks should come off. Judicial warrants should absolutely be required consistent with the Constitution."

Republicans, led by Speaker Johnson, say body cameras—already funded at $20 million—are a start. Ending roving patrols might work, but unmasking agents raises safety concerns amid protester threats.

Immigration Dispute at the Core

The Minneapolis shootings shifted the funding talks. Protests against ICE grew, with calls to fire or impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Senator Chris Murphy called the situation a "dystopia," saying ICE makes the country less safe.

"What is happening in Minnesota right now is a dystopia," Sen. Chris Murphy said. "ICE is making this country less safe, not more safe today."

Johnson noted Trump is guiding the process, having conceded to "turn down the volume" on operations. He was in the Oval Office when Trump spoke with Schumer and border official Tom Homan.

Johnson relies on his slim GOP majority for procedural votes starting Monday in committee, with a floor vote possibly Tuesday. Democrats held a caucus call Sunday to plan their stance.

Meanwhile, Trump announced plans to close the Kennedy Center, the national cultural hub, for two years. The closure would allow for extensive renovations to update the aging facility, built in the 1970s. Details on costs and timelines remain unclear, but it adds another layer to federal spending debates.

What This Means

For everyday Americans, impacts are limited so far. Nutrition programs like SNAP continue unaffected. Travelers might see airport issues if delays mount. Furloughed workers lose paychecks, hitting local economies. Contractors wait on payments, slowing projects.

The two-week DHS funding clock pressures both sides. Agreement on body cameras and patrols could speed things up. But deeper reforms like unmasking face resistance, risking extension beyond a few days.

A short shutdown, like the nine-hour one in 2018, often goes unnoticed. Markets like Kalshi bet on under four days, but odds shift with talks.

The Kennedy Center plan means no performances or events for two years. Artists, staff, and visitors lose access to shows, rehearsals, and tours. Renovations aim to modernize stages, seating, and backstage areas for better safety and tech. Funding would come from future appropriations, tying into the same process now stalled.

Lawmakers from both parties stress urgency. Rep. Dina Titus's office stays open, urging contact for shutdown help. Johnson sees a path to deal, but Democrats demand action now, not later.

If resolved Monday or Tuesday, daily life resumes quickly. A longer fight echoes last year's pain, with air travel woes, disaster response strains, and policy battles over immigration and spending. The House vote will decide the immediate path.