Government Shutdown Appears Inevitable After Trump-Democrat Talks Collapse
Government Shutdown Appears Inevitable After Trump-Democrat Talks Collapse
Hopes for averting a government shutdown dimmed significantly late Monday after a high-stakes meeting between President Donald Trump and top congressional Democrats failed to yield a breakthrough. With a deadline of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, rapidly approaching, leaders from both parties are now publicly blaming each other for the impending lapse in federal funding.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reported that “large differences” persist, particularly concerning healthcare. Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think we’re headed to into a shutdown because Democrats won’t do the right thing.” The White House had previously indicated there was “nothing to negotiate,” urging lawmakers to pass a “clean continuing resolution” to keep the government open.
Democrats, however, remain steadfast in their demands. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries affirmed that House and Senate Democrats are “in lockstep” on healthcare concessions, including restoring $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and extending Obamacare subsidies. Jeffries emphasized that if a shutdown occurs, “it’s because Republicans want to shut the government down,” given their control of both chambers and the presidency.
Despite a stop-gap measure passed by House Republicans to fund the government through November 21, the bill has stalled in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson maintains that passing such a resolution is merely “buying a little time” for the regular appropriations process, arguing that the Obamacare subsidies debate should be handled separately.
The breakdown in negotiations marks a critical point, with the federal government now on the brink of its 11th shutdown since 1980, and the first bicameral, bipartisan leadership meeting of Trump’s second term ending without resolution.
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