WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a critical move to prevent a looming government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged fellow Republicans to rally behind President Donald Trump’s recently brokered deal with Senate Democrats to keep federal agencies funded through the end of the fiscal year. While Johnson acknowledged frustrations within the GOP ranks, he praised Trump’s ability to negotiate across the aisle and called for unity ahead of a pivotal House vote scheduled for Monday evening.
The Senate passed a revamped government funding package on Friday, extending federal appropriations through September 30, 2026, with the notable exception of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The partial exclusion of DHS funding comes after Democrats rejected an earlier bipartisan proposal, citing concerns over insufficient safeguards for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations included in the House-passed bill.
The impasse highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies, as Democrats pushed for stricter oversight of ICE, while Republicans sought to maintain robust funding levels for border security. The Department of Homeland Security remains a flashpoint, with the risk of a partial government shutdown looming if funding is not resolved by the midnight deadline.
Despite these challenges, Speaker Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, convened a lawmaker-only call on Friday evening to emphasize the importance of supporting the president’s agreement. Sources familiar with the discussion told Fox News Digital that Johnson admitted to being “frustrated” by the concessions required but underscored the necessity of avoiding a shutdown that could disrupt federal services and impact millions of Americans.
President Trump’s deal with Senate Democrats represents a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation amid a deeply polarized Congress. The agreement aims to stabilize government operations and provide certainty to federal employees, contractors, and the public. However, the exclusion of DHS funding leaves open the possibility of a partial shutdown affecting critical agencies including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FEMA, which could have significant implications for national security and disaster preparedness.
The House vote will be closely watched as lawmakers weigh party loyalty against the risks of a shutdown. Johnson’s call for unity signals a strategic effort to consolidate Republican support behind the president’s deal, despite vocal opposition from some conservative factions who view the agreement as a betrayal of hardline immigration stances.
The situation underscores the complex dynamics at play in Washington, where legislative gridlock and ideological divides continue to challenge governance. For now, the immediate focus remains on securing enough votes to pass the funding bill and avert a shutdown that would disrupt government functions and strain public services.
Lawmakers and the public alike await the outcome of Monday’s vote, which will determine whether the government can continue operating smoothly or face a costly and politically damaging shutdown. For ongoing updates and official statements, the U.S. Congress website provides real-time information on legislative actions, while the White House offers insights into the administration’s priorities and responses.
As the deadline approaches, the pressure mounts on both parties to find common ground and deliver a solution that balances fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain essential government services.
