At 12:01 a.m. Eastern on January 31, 2026, the U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to enact remaining appropriations, leaving roughly half of federal departments unfunded. The Senate had approved a compromise spending package, but Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a House vote until February 2, creating a funding lapse. The Office of Management and Budget ordered agencies to implement contingency plans; essential services such as national defense, air traffic control, and law enforcement continue, while many nonessential staff face furloughs and paused programs. Negotiations will resume in Congress to restore funding and avert wider disruptions soon. (en.wikipedia.org)