What to know about the partial government shutdown and its impact

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 4 min read 75% complete by By MEG KINNARD and KEVIN FREKINGJanuary 31, 2026 at 02:23 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A partial government shutdown began Saturday in Washington D.C., but is expected to be short-lived as the House plans to quickly pass funding legislation upon return Monday. Unlike previous shutdowns, half of this year's funding bills have already been approved, allowing many federal agencies and programs to continue operating through September, including nutrition assistance. The shutdown primarily affects the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Transportation, potentially leading to unpaid work or furloughs for some employees. The impasse stems from the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, which led Democrats to demand the removal of the DHS funding bill from the package.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Washington Monument 30% Potomac River ×240% Senate 40% Congress 50% Department of Transportation 50% U.S. Capitol 50% House ×260% Federal Emergency Management Agency 60% Alex Pretti ×270% Department of Homeland Security ×270% Pentagon ×270% Washington ×490%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

Associated Press (AP)

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Washington

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).