Trump’s Meeting with Congressional Leaders Could Prevent Shutdown
TL/DR –
President Donald Trump is set to meet top congressional leaders in an attempt to avoid a U.S. government shutdown this week, with funding due to run out at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. The meeting will involve Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, and their Republican counterparts, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. If the funding is not renewed, millions of federal workers, including military personnel, would not be paid and could be furloughed, with payback only granted after the shutdown ends.
U.S Government Faces Shutdown Amid Congressional Standoff
President Donald Trump prepares to meet top congressional leaders Monday. This vital White House meeting could determine if a federal government shutdown occurs this week due to funding running out by Wednesday.
Leaders from both parties, including Democratic House and Senate leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, alongside Republican counterparts Mike Johnson and John Thune, are expected to attend.
The meeting symbolizes a standoff between Republicans seeking to utilize their governmental control and Democrats wanting to advance health care policy, primarily by extending Obamacare subsidies.
Democrats vow not to repeat their previous capitulation to a GOP funding bill six months ago, insisting on a say in the final legislation.
Despite Republican control, Democrats hold leverage due to needing 60 Senate votes to pass a bill; the GOP only holds 53 seats.
Schumer emphasized on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that a shutdown can only be avoided by Republicans seriously negotiating with Democrats.
Meanwhile, Thune insists that Republicans won’t settle for a short-term bill and instead seek a long-term funding agreement with Democrats.
The U.S. government may shut down in less than 48 hours if a compromise isn’t reached. Senators return to Washington Monday evening, while the House remains out of session.
A government shutdown would cause federal workers, including military personnel, to lose pay. Pay would be reimbursed post-shutdown.
A prolonged shutdown could strain federal employees and impact a U.S. economy showing signs of fragility.
Trump warns that a shutdown could trigger mass firings of federal workers.
Democrats seek to extend Obamacare funding and roll back Medicaid changes.
Monday’s meeting indicates both parties’ aversion to a shutdown, yet Trump’s recent meeting cancellation with Democratic leaders casts doubt on a resolution.
The first federal closure in Trump’s second term remains a high possibility. The House isn’t scheduled to be back until a week after the shutdown deadline.
Both a House-passed extension and a Democratic plan extending Obamacare subsidies due to expire were rejected by the Senate.
If a last-minute deal occurs, Johnson would need to summon House members back to Washington urgently to prevent a shutdown.
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