As shutdown deadline nears, Democrats have rare leverage over Trump. They're digging in.

WASHINGTON – With each passing day on Capitol Hill, a government shutdown is looking more likely.

Time is running out for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to strike a compromise, and neither side appears to be budging in a debate where partisan gridlock could lead to the closing of everything but essential government services. Funding expires in about two weeks at midnight on Oct. 1, and lawmakers have a planned vacation for one of those weeks tied to the Jewish holidays.

For the first time since March, Democrats have a significant political advantage over President Donald Trump. Senate rules require Republicans to get at least some Democratic votes to pass a budget and avoid a shutdown.

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The last time Democrats were in this position, they decided brinksmanship wasn't worth the political cost. Fearful of how shuttering the government could empower Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency to further erode the federal workforce, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer struck a short-term funding deal with Republicans. Progressive Democrats fumed.