Congressional Leaders Leave White House Without Deal as Government Shutdown Looms

Democratic and Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, met at the White House to negotiate a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown before the October 1 funding deadline. Despite these efforts, significant disagreements remain, particularly over healthcare provisions Democrats are demanding, such as extending health care benefits and addressing rural hospital closures, which Republicans and the president have largely rejected. The House passed a stopgap funding bill to extend government funding until November 21, but the Senate, requiring 60 votes, failed to pass it, mainly due to Democratic opposition. Vice President Vance and Republican leaders accuse Democrats of leveraging policy disagreements to force a shutdown, while Democrats blame Republicans for refusing to consider their healthcare proposals. President Trump has expressed readiness for a shutdown if necessary, blaming Democrats for the impasse. With no resolution in sight, a government shutdown appears increasingly likely, and House Republicans plan to hold a joint press conference if it occurs, but have no plans to recall lawmakers to Washington during the shutdown period.