Schumer urges Trump negotiate health care before Asia trip amid 21-day U.S. shutdown

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have urged President Donald Trump to negotiate with Democrats to end the ongoing government shutdown, emphasizing the severe healthcare crisis affecting Americans. Schumer criticized Trump for planning a trip to Asia without first engaging in talks, stating that the president has an obligation to negotiate before leaving the country. In response, Trump said he would be open to meeting Schumer and Jeffries only if they agree to reopen the government first, highlighting Republican concerns about negotiating while the shutdown persists. Democrats are demanding an extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of any spending agreement, a key sticking point in the stalled negotiations. Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune, have agreed that talks can resume once the government reopens. Despite multiple attempts to pass a continuing resolution to end the shutdown, no agreement has been reached, and the impasse continues to impact millions.