A partial federal government shutdown entered its fourth day on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as the U.S. House secured a narrow procedural victory in a vote that could clear the way to reopen key federal agencies.

Speaker Mike Johnson, backed by significant last-minute support from former President Donald Trump, succeeded in guiding a procedural vote through the House by a razor-thin margin. The tally stood at 217 in favor and 215 opposed—giving Johnson room for only a single Republican defection despite ongoing resistance tied to controversial policy riders, such as the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Trump had urged unity and insisted the spending bill not be amended. Johnson’s success sets the stage for a final vote on a comprehensive funding bill. (Votes: 217‑215)

The bill in question would fund most of the federal government through September 30, while providing a short-term extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 13. That delay is intended to give lawmakers time to negotiate reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompted by two fatal enforcement incidents in Minneapolis. The temporary provision remains contentious, especially with Democrats demanding expanded accountability measures.

President Trump signaled his support for the package and is expected to sign it if it passes the House and survives in the Senate. Trump’s efforts included direct outreach to reluctant House Republicans Anna Paulina Luna and Tim Burchett, swaying them to back the procedural vote after assurances of upcoming legislative consideration for the SAVE Act.

Meanwhile, the partial shutdown continues to disrupt federal operations: key economic data releases like the January jobs report have been delayed, and thousands of Federal Aviation Administration employees are furloughed. Air traffic controllers remain on duty without pay, raising concerns about air travel, while some HUD and other agency functions have scaled back.

Why this matters

A prolonged shutdown risks increasing disruption for essential services benefiting Longview, Kelso, and wider Cowlitz County—such as impaired air travel, delays in federal economic data that inform local planning, and hindrances to housing and small business support tied to federal programs. Further, the standoff underscores deep partisan divisions and a growing propensity to attach sweeping policy changes to critical funding—raising questions of accountability and legislative risk for local governance.

As it stands, the House appears poised to vote on full funding imminently. If passed, the bill would end the shutdown and resume operations—but only if both chambers agree on the terms, especially the DHS/ICE package. Pending final outcomes, the partial closure may soon become a short-lived disruption or, if defections persist, extend the impasse into the week.