U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he expects Congress to end a partial federal government shutdown within days as lawmakers navigate logistical hurdles and an intensifying dispute over immigration enforcement.
The shutdown began Saturday after Congress failed to finalize funding before a deadline, halting parts of federal operations while the Senate and House worked on separate tracks.
Johnson said travel disruptions from a snowstorm in the southeastern United States have complicated efforts to assemble lawmakers in Washington, but he expressed confidence that the House would act swiftly.
The Senate passed a broad spending package on Friday, sending it to the House, which was out of session at the time.
Johnson said the House would debate and vote on the measure as soon as members return, with the Rules Committee scheduled to meet first.
"I'm confident that we'll do it at least by Tuesday. We have a logistical challenge of getting everyone in town," Johnson said on NBC’s “Meet the Press”.
The legislation would fund most federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year while temporarily separating the Department of Homeland Security from the package.
Under the plan, DHS would receive a two-week stopgap extension while lawmakers negotiate changes to immigration enforcement policy.
Johnson said the goal is to fund all agencies except DHS by Tuesday, followed by two weeks of negotiations.
The shutdown has unfolded amid heightened tensions over Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
Democrats have demanded reforms including mandatory body cameras for ICE agents, limits on roving patrols, and restrictions on the use of face masks.
Representative Ro Khanna of California said Democrats should oppose further ICE funding, stating, "I just don’t see how, in good conscience, Democrats can vote for continuing ICE funding when they’re killing American citizens".
House Democratic leaders have said they want firm commitments on reforms before supporting any fast-tracked vote.
Johnson said he is not relying on Democratic support and believes Republicans can pass the measure despite their narrow majority.
He added that ICE agents wear masks to protect their identities and families, and said the administration is expected to make some changes to DHS practices.
The episode marks a contrast with last year’s prolonged shutdown, as both parties have sought to prevent the immigration debate from disrupting broader government operations.