House Speaker Mike Johnson Navigates Funding Package Amidst Government Shutdown Threat

Mon Feb 02 2026 13:58:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As debates intensify over immigration enforcement and federal funding, House Speaker Mike Johnson seeks support from President Trump to pass a crucial funding package and avert a prolonged government shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is gearing up for a challenging week as he works to advance a federal funding package designed to prevent a partial government shutdown. With rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and a divided Congress, Johnson is counting on President Trump's influence to secure the necessary votes. Democrats advocate for stricter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, while Republicans push for more funding for Homeland Security, complicating negotiations. A partial shutdown has already begun affecting federal operations, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces tough days ahead trying to muscle a federal funding package to passage and prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown as debate intensifies over the Trump administration's sweeping immigration enforcement operations.

Johnson signaled he is relying on help from President Donald Trump to ensure passage. Trump struck a deal with senators to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security from a broader package after public outrage over two shooting deaths during protests in Minneapolis against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Under the plan approved by the Senate, DHS would be funded temporarily until February 13, setting up a deadline for Congress to reach consensus on new restrictions on ICE operations.

The president is leading this, Johnson told Fox News Sunday. He emphasized that it was Trump’s strategy to dial down the intensity of federal immigration sweeps and raids.

A first test will come Monday afternoon during a committee meeting when Johnson will need his own GOP majority to advance the package after Democrats refused to provide votes for speedy consideration. Johnson expressed optimism that work could wrap up for a full House vote soon.

Democrats Demand ICE Reforms

Democrats are insisting on constraints on ICE that exceed the preliminary allocation of $20 million for body cameras included in the bill. They want immigration agents to identify themselves during operations and end roving patrols.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stressed the necessity for the Department of Homeland Security to undergo dramatic reform, calling for immediate negotiations rather than prolonging discussions.

Republican Stances Differ

On the flip side, House Republicans, backed by some Senate allies, are making their own demands while trying to bolster Trump's immigration stance. The House Freedom Caucus has called for more comprehensive funding for Homeland Security.

Impact of the Partial Shutdown

As the funding standoff continues, various federal agencies are affected by a partial government shutdown. Essential services may continue, but workers could risk unpaid situations if the impasse extends.

This funding conflict is reminiscent of a previous shutdown caused by a legislative stalemate and reveals the political tensions that influence the federal budget process.

Trump's Desire for Swift Resolution

This administration has indicated a desire for a quicker resolution to the shutdown. Johnson noted Trump’s involvement in discussions aimed at resolving the impasse and achieving agreement on proposed legislative reforms.

Disagreements linger, with Democrats demanding a reevaluation of ICE activities, while some Republicans warn of potential risks to officers involved in law enforcement.

With time pressing, federal lawmakers are bracing for further negotiations amid a political landscape fraught with contention and urgency over immigration enforcement actions.