US Government Funding Standoff Raises Shutdown Risks Ahead of White House Talks

A view of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2025. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a planned White House meeting with congressional Democratic leadership to discuss government funding was canceled, citing dissatisfaction with their requests. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The United States is in the midst of a tense political battle over government funding: Republican leaders in both chambers remain firm on their position and do not agree to the Democrats’ budget demands, increasing the risk of a temporary government shutdown as early as this week. With preparations for a White House meeting with President Donald Trump on Monday, the political dialogue is intensifying.

The Republicans insist on passing a ‘clean’ funding bill and reject the Democrats’ proposal to extend ACA subsidies. They place the blame for any government shutdown on the Democrats, who have the votes to fund the government in the Senate, hinting at leverage in the negotiation process.

It’s entirely up to the Democrats. The ball is in their court. There is a bill on the Senate’s desk now – we could take it up today and pass it – the one passed by the House and that the president would sign to keep the government open.

Although Republicans control the Capitol and the White House, they need at least seven Democrats in the Senate to move the spending package through Senate rules. Democratic leaders remain firmly positioned: votes will come only in exchange for extending ACA subsidies.

Now it’s all in the Senate, and it’s up to (Chuck Schumer) and the Democrats in the Senate to prevent a government shutdown. I hope they make a sensible decision and do this early next week.

The House’s top Democrat, Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, said he intends to avoid a shutdown, while warning that the final decision depends on the Republicans’ position.

Our position has been very clear: repeal the cuts, reduce spending, and preserve health insurance coverage.

The anticipated White House meeting will bring together House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and other key figures. Johnson did not forecast whether Trump would be ready to negotiate during the meeting, and reports say Democrats plan a conference call ahead of the Tuesday deadline to determine next steps.

All weekend he has been playing golf instead of these negotiations. This is Donald Trump’s decision – whether the government will shut down.

If the budget stalemate indeed happens, it will affect hundreds of thousands of federal workers and impact the operation of several agencies, including the IRS and the National Park Service.