Mike Johnson clears critical hurdle to ending government shutdown

The House of Representatives began the process to end the partial government shutdown with a vote on a procedural rule. This rule allows debate on appropriations bills and a short-term funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Congress faces a tight 10-day window to negotiate reforms concerning ICE and a full-year DHS appropriations bill. The vote to advance the bill narrowly passed with Republican support and a small margin of victory. GOP leadership secured critical votes from holdouts who initially opposed the measure. President Trump played a role in swaying some Republican votes, including criticizing one representative's wife. Speaker Mike Johnson worked to gain support, extending the voting period to secure passage. The final vote on the package is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon and is expected to gain significant Democratic support. House Freedom Caucus members seek involvement in upcoming negotiations and have conservative priorities. The potential inclusion of the SAVE Act in the next funding bill remains a point of contention.