Trump Urgently Convenes Congressional Leaders to Avert Government Shutdown Crisis | WPN World People News

U.S. President Donald Trump on September 30 urgently convened the four top congressional leaders from both parties in a last-ditch effort to resolve the looming government shutdown set to begin on October 1. With Congress yet to approve discretionary spending for the new fiscal year, the federal government is on the verge of its 15th partial shutdown since 1981. Vice President J.D. Vance said afterward that the administration was prepared for a shutdown, blaming Democrats for blocking a deal; Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer countered that wide divisions remain and talks have seen no breakthrough.

If Congress fails to act in time, thousands of federal employees could face unpaid furloughs, and services at NASA, national parks, federal courts, and small business grant programs may be disrupted. However, Social Security payments to seniors, Medicare and Medicaid services, federal student loans, and Pell Grants for low-income students would continue. The White House has already ordered agencies to prepare for staff cuts, framing the shutdown as an opportunity to reduce waste and abuse — though it could have significant repercussions for the labor market. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Republicans for giving Trump a “blank check” and politicizing funding.

Republicans are pushing for a “clean” short-term spending bill to extend government operations for seven weeks at current funding levels, while Democrats are demanding the inclusion of provisions such as extended health care subsidies. Despite Republican majorities in both chambers, the Senate requires at least 60 votes to advance any bill, meaning some Democratic support is necessary. If even the stopgap continuing resolution (CR) fails to pass, the government could begin shutting down as early as the morning of October 1.