Story perspectives

Democrats Reject Funding, Triggering Imminent Government Shutdown

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Democrats rejected a White House counter-proposal and voted down Senate funding for the Department of Homeland Security, triggering an imminent partial shutdown.
The shutdown begins early Saturday due to disputes over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the White House for not accepting Democratic reforms.
Only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman, supported continuing funding, while Republicans need more Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to 17, stemmed from budget disputes over the Affordable Care Act, with the Republican-led House demanding its defunding. This standoff resulted in approximately 800,000 federal employees being furloughed and an estimated economic loss of $24 billion. The shutdown highlighted ongoing partisan divisions and the need for bipartisan cooperation in legislative processes.

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Story summary

Democrats rejected a White House counter-proposal and voted down Senate funding for the Department of Homeland Security, triggering an imminent partial shutdown.
The shutdown begins early Saturday due to disputes over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the White House for not accepting Democratic reforms.
Only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman, supported continuing funding, while Republicans need more Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster.

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