Congress starts two-week recess as partial shutdown drags on

Congress has begun a two-week recess while a partial government shutdown remains unresolved after the House rejected a Senate-passed Department of Homeland Security funding bill. The rejection leaves critical agency operations unfunded as lawmakers depart Washington, preventing any immediate negotiations on a funding compromise. The shutdown affects multiple federal departments and agencies, disrupting services and leaving thousands of federal employees in limbo regarding pay and work status. The timing of the recess effectively freezes budget negotiations for fourteen days, meaning the shutdown will persist at minimum until Congress reconvenes. The impasse reflects continued disagreement between the House and Senate on spending priorities, leaving federal agencies without a clear path to resumed operations.