WASHINGTON – With just hours left before a possible government shutdown, former President Donald Trump is set to meet with key congressional leaders from both parties at the White House on Monday, September 29, in a last-minute effort to reach a funding deal.
The meeting will include:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune
- Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer
- Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries
A White House official confirmed the meeting, which comes less than 48 hours before the October 1 funding deadline — the official end of the fiscal year.
This marks a dramatic return to negotiations after Trump abruptly canceled a scheduled meeting with Democratic leaders on September 25.
Shutdown Threat Grows as Deadline Nears
If a funding agreement is not reached by midnight on October 1, the federal government will enter its 15th partial shutdown since 1981.
While essential services like the military and law enforcement would continue, non-essential services such as national parks and some federal offices would be forced to shut down or reduce operations.
The Trump administration has warned of severe consequences if a shutdown occurs, including:
- Widespread federal employee layoffs
- Disruption to programs serving low-income women and children
- Cuts to healthcare-related funding and subsidies
Political Gridlock in Congress
The current standoff stems from deep partisan divisions. House Republicans narrowly passed a short-term funding bill on September 19 to extend government funding through November 21, but the measure failed to advance in the Senate due to lack of bipartisan support.
Senate Democrats have refused to move forward without changes to the bill. They are calling for:
- Reversal of pending Medicaid cuts
- Restoration of Obamacare subsidies set to expire
Democratic leaders Schumer and Jeffries said in a joint statement:
“We are resolute in our determination to avoid a government shutdown and address the Republican healthcare crisis. Time is running out.”
They also emphasized their openness to negotiation:
“Democrats will meet anywhere, at any time and with anyone to negotiate a bipartisan spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people.”
What’s at Stake
If no compromise is reached during or immediately following the Monday meeting, the federal government will face a shutdown — a move that could disrupt services, delay paychecks for government workers, and add uncertainty to an already tense political climate heading into the next election cycle.
