Urgent talks before funding deadline
The top congressional leaders are scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House ahead of the September 30 deadline to approve funding and prevent a partial government shutdown.
Attendees include Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The meeting comes as lawmakers debate a temporary spending measure aimed at extending government operations through November.
Divisions over funding and health care
Earlier this month, the House narrowly passed a continuing resolution to fund the government until November 21, but the proposal was blocked in the Senate. Republicans emphasize approving government funding first, while Democrats push for extending tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act and reversing recent health program cuts.
Republican leaders argue that subsidy negotiations can take place later, while Democrats maintain that a binding agreement is needed now to ensure progress.
Impact of a potential shutdown
If no resolution is passed before October 1, the federal government would begin shutting down nonessential services. Core programs such as Social Security and Medicare would continue, but delays in processing new applications are expected.
A shutdown could leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay until operations resume. Additionally, the administration has directed federal agencies to prepare for potential permanent layoffs, a move that has raised concern among lawmakers.
The upcoming White House meeting is viewed as a critical opportunity to break the political deadlock and prevent disruption to federal services nationwide.
