WASHINGTON (WDNews) – Congressional leaders from both parties are scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday in a late effort to prevent a government shutdown. But so far, neither side has shown much willingness to move from their positions.
If Congress does not pass a funding bill and Trump does not sign it by Tuesday night, many government offices will temporarily close. Non-exempt federal employees would be furloughed, increasing strain on workers and the nation’s economy.
Republicans are challenging Democrats to oppose legislation that would maintain government funding at mostly current levels. Democrats, however, have remained firm in their stance, demanding that Congress act on legislation to extend health care benefits.
“If it has to shut down, it’ll have to shut down,” Trump said Friday. “But they’re the ones that are shutting down government.”
Administration officials have warned Democrats that a lapse in funding could result in some federal employees being permanently laid off.
“Chuck Schumer said a few months ago that a government shutdown would be chaotic, harmful and painful. He’s right, and that’s why we shouldn’t do it,” Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Democrats are pressing for an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits that have subsidized health insurance for millions of Americans since the COVID-19 pandemic. Those credits, which help low- and middle-income households afford coverage, are scheduled to expire at the end of the year.
