Trump and Democrats Fail to Reach Government Shutdown Avoidance Deal
TL/DR –
A White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Democrat leaders failed to resolve the impending government shutdown, likely to happen in about 30 hours if a funding agreement isn’t reached by October 1 midnight. The Republicans proposed a temporary measure to extend current funding until November 21, which Democrats rejected, demanding action on health care-related issues as part of the deal. If a shutdown occurs, many federal agencies will significantly reduce their staff, with the White House threatening to fire federal workers en masse.
White House leaders fail to reach compromise in last-minute meeting
President Donald Trump and Democrats emerged from a private White House meeting on Sept. 29 without a deal preventing a potential government shutdown, beginning in 30 hours, threatening major services.
If the deadline passes without a compromise, a shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m., October 1. The meeting, which included the president and top congressional leaders, failed to yield agreement. \”Significant and meaningful differences remain,\” reported House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
While Republicans push for current funding levels extension until Nov. 21, Democrats demand changes, mainly concerning healthcare access and subsidies, as a part of the deal.
House Speaker Mike Johnson placed the blame on Democrats should the government shut down. He stressed Trump’s openness to discussions while claiming Democrats’ disregard of simple facts.
A partial closure will result in reduced staffing across federal agencies, while essential workers will continue working. Furloughed employees usually receive backpay, but the White House has threatened mass layoffs of federal workers in case of a shutdown.
Democrats have long called for Republicans to address their demands for Medicaid cuts reversal and extended health insurance subsidies. Millions of Americans risk losing insurance unless action is taken, making healthcare a major topic in the shutdown talks.
\”We laid out the president some of the healthcare consequences,\” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed post-meeting, implying Trump was unaware of the healthcare situation.
Republicans believe such negotiations shouldn’t take place in a government funding bill. Vice President JD Vance described some of Democrats’ ideas as reasonable but stressed the White House would not negotiate amid shutdown threats.
With the House of Representatives unlikely to convene again before a potential shutdown, the Senate has been left to negotiate and secure Democratic support for the failed short-term funding bill.
Trump, the ultimate decision maker according to Schumer, could prevent a shutdown by agreeing to some of Democrats’ requests. Nonetheless, the White House, represented by Russell Vought, branded the Democrats’ proposal as “hostage-taking” and unacceptable.
For more information, reach out to congressional reporter Zachary Schermele at zschermele@usatoday.com, follow him on X @ZachSchermele, and on Bluesky @zachschermele.bsky.social.
Updated with more information.
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