WASHINGTON — A federal government shutdown appears likely this week after President Donald Trump and the top two Democrats in Congress failed to reach a spending agreement during a high-stakes meeting at the White House on Monday.
“There was a frank and direct discussion with the president of the United States, and Republican leaders, but significant and meaningful differences remain,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters after the meeting.
“It’s up to the Republicans whether they want to shut down or not,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
Afterward, Vice President JD Vance said he didn’t think the two sides would reach a deal before federal agencies lose funding for nonessential functions on Tuesday at midnight.
“I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing,” Vance said. “I hope they change their mind, but we’re going to see.”
