Congressional Leaders Leave White House Meeting Without A Deal to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Sep 29, 2025 | 5:19 PM

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 29: The U.S. Capitol on April 29, 2021 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled a $1.8 trillion families package during his first address to Congress on Wednesday night, which is likely to face hurdles in the Senate. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic congressional leaders have left a White House meeting saying there are still large differences with President Donald Trump and Republicans in their positions to avoid a government shutdown. Trump is making it clear he has no intention to negotiate on Democrats’ current terms. Democrats are again insisting on action to extend health care benefits. If government funding legislation is not passed by Congress and signed by Trump on Tuesday night, many government offices will be temporarily shuttered and nonexempt federal employees will be furloughed.