President Donald Trump will host a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House on Monday, one day before a federal funding deadline that risks triggering a government shutdown.
The meeting includes House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, both Republicans, as well as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A White House official and two sources familiar with the plans, speaking anonymously, confirmed the meeting on Saturday.
The discussions follow a week of partisan gridlock, with Democrats withholding Senate votes needed for a House-passed funding measure. Without action, a shutdown could begin at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, potentially disrupting federal services and furloughing workers.
Both parties have publicly blamed each other for the impasse, escalating tensions as the deadline approaches.
Trump’s decision to meet follows a canceled discussion with Jeffries and Schumer, prompted by Republican leaders’ objections. Schumer privately pressed Thune on Friday to reschedule, citing the urgent deadline, according to an aide.
Democrats have emphasized their willingness to negotiate a bipartisan deal to avoid a shutdown while addressing healthcare concerns
Johnson, however, admitted urging Trump to delay talks until Democrats support a funding extension, arguing on a Louisiana radio show that earlier discussions were premature.
Thune’s spokesman, Ryan Wrasse, suggested Democrats are feeling pressure as their stance falters, noting a resolution could be reached soon.
Democrats are conditioning their Senate support on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies for low- and middle-income earners and reversing Medicaid cuts from a recent GOP tax measure.
Jeffries warned on CNN that failing to extend subsidies could raise healthcare costs for over 20 million Americans.
Republicans, advocating a straightforward seven-week funding extension, argue these demands are unrelated. Johnson stressed on CNN that the House bill contains no partisan provisions, aiming solely to maintain government operations.
Thune, on NBC’s Meet the Press, urged Democrats to pass the House’s bill, accusing them of holding the government hostage.
Schumer expressed cautious hope for progress but cautioned against unproductive rhetoric derailing talks.
CBS News reported Trump’s skepticism about reaching an agreement, with sources suggesting he views a shutdown as a chance to address government inefficiencies.