Washington D.C., February 13, 2026 ā The United States is on the brink of a partial government shutdown after the Senate failed to advance a critical funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) late Thursday. The procedural vote of 52-47 fell short of the 60-vote threshold required to move the legislation forward, leaving the department's funding set to expire at midnight on Friday.
The impasse is largely attributed to a breakdown in negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats over immigration enforcement regulations. These tensions were further exacerbated following two recent fatal shootings involving federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis, which have sparked intense national debate and political friction within the Republican party.
Global Security and Diplomacy
While the U.S. faces domestic legislative hurdles, several major international developments have unfolded in the last 24 hours:
- UK Aid to Ukraine: During a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, British Defense Secretary John Healey announced a new Ā£500 million ($680 million) package for urgent air defense support to Ukraine. This package includes Ā£150 million specifically for air defense interceptors, addressing what President Zelensky has termed a "top priority" for national survival.
- Bangladesh General Elections: Voting has concluded in a high-stakes general election in Bangladesh. While BNP leader Tarique Rahman has urged for a timely announcement of results, the process was marked by sporadic violence. Global powers, particularly India, are closely monitoring the outcome for its impact on regional stability.
- U.S.-India Trade Relations: President Donald Trump has hailed a new trade agreement with India as "historic," claiming the deal will significantly boost jobs, investment, and strategic ties between the two nations.
Health and Cultural Developments
In other global news, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its first-ever consolidated operational handbook on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to bolster global health responses amid rising infection rates.
Furthermore, in Addis Ababa, the African Union, in collaboration with Ghana and UNESCO, convened a high-level panel to discuss the restitution of African heritage resources. The event emphasized "reparations, memory, and sovereignty," aiming to strengthen multilateral cooperation for the return of cultural property to the continent.
As the midnight deadline for DHS funding approaches, U.S. lawmakers remain under immense pressure to find a last-minute resolution to avoid a disruption of essential federal operations, including border security and aviation safety.