Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Republican and Democratic leaders met at the White House on Monday (September 29) to discuss a potential government shutdown, but no agreement was reached. Vice President JD Vance, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, expressed doubts about avoiding a shutdown. Vance stated, "I think we're headed to a shutdown because the Democrats won't do the right thing."
Funding is set to run out at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday (October 1), and without a last-minute deal, a shutdown will occur. Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have insisted they will not support a funding bill that undermines health care. Schumer noted that while differences remain, President Trump listened to their concerns for the first time.
Republicans, who control both the White House and Congress, are pushing for a longer-term funding bill. However, they need Democratic support to pass it in the Senate, where 60 votes are required. The standoff has significant implications, as a shutdown would mean millions of federal workers, including military personnel, would not be paid until it ends.