• The US House passed a $1.2 trillion spending bill to end a partial government shutdown.
• The legislation includes funding for various federal agencies while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks.
• The shutdown followed Democratic opposition to funding linked to immigration enforcement tactics after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.
• President Trump has urged no changes to the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate passage.
• Negotiations are expected to continue over immigration policies within the extended DHS funding timeline.

The US House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion spending package on February 3, effectively ending a partial government shutdown that began over the weekend. The package, which received support from 21 Democrats alongside Republicans, aims to fund various federal agencies until the fiscal year ends on September 30 while providing only a temporary extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until February 13, amid ongoing debates on immigration enforcement policies, according to Al Jazeera and SCMP.

The impetus for the shutdown stemmed from unresolved negotiations following the killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents, which led to a demand from Democrats for changes in DHS operations, specifically regarding immigration enforcement tactics. Lawmakers expressed concern over issues such as the necessity for agents to wear body cameras and to forgo wearing masks during operations, as reported by NPR and Channel News Asia.

Kicking off the push for the spending bill, President Trump emphasized in a Truth Social post the need for “NO CHANGES at this time,” urging lawmakers to swiftly approve the deal and avoid another prolonged government shutdown. His comments were echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who confirmed the bill's significance despite facing potential opposition from within his party, particularly regarding immigration policies, stated ABC News and Los Angeles Times.

The approval of the spending bill comes after a previous round of negotiations fell apart over Republican demands for amendments related to voter identification laws, which were deemed unrelated to the appropriations package. Consequently, both parties remain cautious as they prepare for upcoming negotiations on a full-year funding bill for DHS amidst a backdrop of contentious immigration policy discussions, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

Despite the tensions, the final vote, which narrowly passed with a 217-214 result, reflects an urgent desire from both sides to avoid a protracted shutdown reminiscent of the 43-day interruption experienced last year. Lawmakers now have until February 13 to negotiate a more comprehensive funding strategy for DHS amidst mounting political pressures, per AA and SCMP.