US Daily Brief - January 31, 2026

1. Senate Passes $1.2 Trillion Funding Deal, Shutdown Likely

The U.S. Senate has passed a massive $1.2 trillion government funding deal. This means they have agreed on how to spend a large amount of money to keep the government running. However, even though the deal is approved, a brief shutdown is still expected. A shutdown happens when the government temporarily closes because it can't agree on a budget. It affects many government services and workers. The shutdown is likely to be short, but it shows how difficult it can be for lawmakers to agree on important issues. People are hoping the government will open again soon and continue working as usual.

영어 표현 학습

• Senate — 미 상원
  The Senate voted on the new law yesterday.
• funding — 자금 조달
  The school needs more funding for new computers.
• shutdown — 셧다운, 운영 중단
  The store will have a temporary shutdown for renovations.

Source: Politico

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2. Justice Department Releases Epstein Investigation Documents

The Justice Department has made public millions of pages of documents about the Epstein investigation. Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy man accused of serious crimes. These documents include information about people connected to him and details of the investigation. By releasing these documents, the public can learn more about what happened and who might be involved. This is important because many people want justice for Epstein's alleged victims. The documents could also lead to new developments in related cases.

영어 표현 학습

• Justice Department — 법무부
  The Justice Department announced a new policy today.
• investigation — 조사, 수사
  The police started an investigation into the robbery.
• documents — 문서
  She lost important documents during the move.

Source: CNN

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3. Harmful Effects of Trump's Public-Charge Rule on Immigrant Families

A new report explains how the Trump Administration's public-charge rule could harm immigrant families. The rule makes it harder for immigrants to get a green card if they use certain public benefits like food stamps. This has made many immigrant families afraid to ask for help, even if they need it. The rule could lead to families not getting enough food or medical care because they worry it will affect their immigration status. The rule is controversial and has been challenged in court. Many people hope for changes that will better support immigrant families.

영어 표현 학습

• Trump Administration — 트럼프 행정부
  The Trump Administration focused on tax reforms.
• families — 가족들
  Many families gather for dinner every night.
• immigrant — 이민자
  She shared her story as an immigrant in the new country.

Source: migrationpolicy.org

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Today's Vocabulary Recap

Expression	Meaning (Korean)	Example
Senate	미 상원	The Senate voted on the new law yesterday.
funding	자금 조달	The school needs more funding for new computers.
shutdown	셧다운, 운영 중단	The store will have a temporary shutdown for renovations.
Justice Department	법무부	The Justice Department announced a new policy today.
investigation	조사, 수사	The police started an investigation into the robbery.
documents	문서	She lost important documents during the move.
Trump Administration	트럼프 행정부	The Trump Administration focused on tax reforms.
families	가족들	Many families gather for dinner every night.
immigrant	이민자	She shared her story as an immigrant in the new country.