Story perspectives

House Ends 76-Day Shutdown, Funds DHS, Passes Farm Bill

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill funding Department of Homeland Security agencies, ending a 76-day shutdown.
The budget resolution passed 214-212-1, unlocking a party-line reconciliation process to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
After a five-hour floor debate and a last-minute ethanol fuel compromise, House leaders secured votes, approved a five-year farm bill by a 224-200 vote and agreed to consider the E15 ethanol measure later.

History

Historical Context

In late 1995, Democratic President Bill Clinton and Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich clashed over cuts to education, environment and health spending, triggering two shutdowns—the second lasting 21 days and furloughing about 284,000 workers. The episode set a record until the 35-day 2018-19 shutdown and illustrates how partisan budget fights repeatedly jeopardize immigration enforcement, prompting calls for bipartisan safeguards.

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Story summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill funding Department of Homeland Security agencies, ending a 76-day shutdown.
The budget resolution passed 214-212-1, unlocking a party-line reconciliation process to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
After a five-hour floor debate and a last-minute ethanol fuel compromise, House leaders secured votes, approved a five-year farm bill by a 224-200 vote and agreed to consider the E15 ethanol measure later.

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