Facing a looming government shutdown, top congressional leaders are heading to the White House Monday for crunch talks with President Trump. The meeting aims to break a standoff that has deepened despite escalating urgency.
As the clock ticks toward Tuesday night’s deadline, Republicans are daring Democrats to reject a stopgap funding measure that would largely maintain current spending levels. But Democrats, wielding leverage in demanding continued health care benefits, have stood firm so far.
If Congress fails to pass funding by Tuesday night, many federal operations across the country would temporarily shutter, and nonexempt government employees would be furloughed. The economic stress and political fallout would ripple outward rapidly.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer cautioned that Monday’s White House sit-down is “a first step, but only a first step.” He called for a serious negotiation rather than symbolic theater. Meanwhile, President Trump has expressed skepticism toward Democratic priorities on health care, though he agreed to host a meeting with Schumer, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
While Republicans hope to portray the funding bill as the safe, non-controversial path, Democrats see it as an opportunity to press for protections in health care and other priorities. As both sides dig in, the outcome may determine the government’s operation and the political narrative for months to come.
