Democratic Leaders Demand Trump Meeting to Avert Federal Shutdown

As the September 30 deadline approaches, Democratic leaders in Congress, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have demanded a meeting with President Donald Trump to negotiate a bipartisan agreement to prevent a federal government shutdown. Democrats accuse Republicans, under Trump's direction, of refusing to engage in bipartisan talks and pushing policies that undermine healthcare programs critical to many Americans. Senate and House votes on competing funding bills have failed to pass, with Republicans controlling Congress and Democrats demanding protections for healthcare funding as part of any agreement. House Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested that Democrats are responsible for the potential shutdown due to their opposition to a short-term funding bill, while Democrats counter that Republicans will bear the blame for the shutdown due to their unwillingness to negotiate. Despite tensions, Trump has expressed some willingness to meet but remains skeptical about the talks' outcomes. If no agreement is reached, the government could face a shutdown similar in length to the 2018-2019 closure, disrupting federal services and programs.