Senate Republicans Meet White House Amid Worsening Fourth-Week Government Shutdown

As the U.S. government shutdown extends into its fourth week, Senate Republicans are convening at the White House to demonstrate unity with President Donald Trump, refusing to negotiate on Democratic demands. Senate Democrats continue to oppose a House-passed bill to reopen the government, insisting Republicans and Trump first engage in discussions about extending expiring health care subsidies. The ongoing deadlock has severe consequences: hundreds of thousands of federal workers face missed paychecks, and critical programs like WIC and Head Start risk funding cutoffs. Federal agencies, including the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, are experiencing furloughs and operational disruptions. Both parties remain entrenched, with Senate Republican leader John Thune noting the president’s readiness to discuss subsidies only if Democrats agree to reopen the government first. The White House meeting is unlikely to resolve the stalemate soon, as the shutdown’s effects worsen nationwide.