Partial government shutdown enters third day as lawmakers push for resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government remains in a state of partial paralysis this Monday as a funding lapse enters its third day, leaving thousands of federal employees in limbo and critical agencies operating on emergency footings.

The shutdown, which began at midnight Saturday, was triggered by a legislative impasse over immigration enforcement. While the Senate approved a comprehensive funding package late Friday, the House of Representatives remains in recess, with a critical vote not expected until Tuesday.

The current crisis stems from a disagreement over how to handle the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed legislative fix includes:

• Full-Year Funding: Most federal departments would be funded through September 30, 2026.
• Two-Week Stopgap: DHS would receive only a 14-day extension.

This “split” approach is designed to give lawmakers more time to negotiate reforms to federal immigration enforcement following recent controversial incidents involving federal agents in the Midwest.

Aviation Industry on Edge

The travel sector is among the hardest hit by the lapse. More than 10,000 FAA employees have been furloughed, and the nation’s air traffic controllers—already facing a staffing shortage of roughly 3,500 positions—are now required to work without pay.

“Congress needs to understand the real-world consequences,” warned Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers. “Shutdowns place significant strain on the entire aviation industry, impacting travelers and the federal employees who keep our system safe.”

Industry experts are concerned that a prolonged shutdown could lead to increased controller absences, potentially forcing flight reductions similar to those seen during previous funding gaps.

What Stays Open, What Closes?

Because this is a partial shutdown—affecting only the six funding bills that have not yet been signed into law—the impact is uneven across the government.

House leadership has indicated that they intend to take up the Senate-passed package as soon as they return to session on Tuesday. President Trump has reportedly endorsed the Senate deal, signaling that the shutdown could be resolved by mid-week if the House avoids further amendments.

However, even if the vote passes, the two-week deadline for DHS means another potential “funding cliff” looms in mid-February, keeping the threat of a broader shutdown on the horizon.