On January 31, House Democratic Leader Hakim Jeffries stated that they would not help Republicans pass a federal government funding bill through a fast-track process. US media pointed out that Jeffries' statement suggests the US government shutdown may last longer than expected. The US Senate passed a funding bill for several federal departments for the remainder of the fiscal year on January 30, which will be sent to the House for consideration. However, the House is in recess and may vote on the funding bill as early as February 2. It is reported that the operating funds for several federal departments, including the State Department and the Pentagon, ran out on January 30, thus the US federal government entered a partial shutdown starting at midnight on January 31. (Jinshi)