Story perspectives

Senate Ends DHS Shutdown; House Blocks Funding Vote

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate voted 52-46 to advance a budget resolution funding ICE and Border Patrol, ending the DHS shutdown.
House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to bring the Senate DHS funding bill to a vote and proposes Shutdown Fairness Act to guarantee essential workers' pay.
Senators Ron Johnson and James Lankford introduced the Shutdown Fairness Act and the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, targeting worker pay protection or automatic stopgap funding if appropriations fail.

History

Historical Context

The 16-day U.S. government shutdown in October 2013 stemmed from budget disputes, particularly over the Affordable Care Act, as House Republicans sought to defund it. This impasse affected around 800,000 federal employees and disrupted numerous government services. The shutdown's resolution on October 17, 2013, highlighted ongoing tensions in U.S. politics regarding budgetary control and healthcare funding.

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Story summary

Senate voted 52-46 to advance a budget resolution funding ICE and Border Patrol, ending the DHS shutdown.
House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to bring the Senate DHS funding bill to a vote and proposes Shutdown Fairness Act to guarantee essential workers' pay.
Senators Ron Johnson and James Lankford introduced the Shutdown Fairness Act and the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, targeting worker pay protection or automatic stopgap funding if appropriations fail.

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