Republican, Democratic Leaders Dig In in Shutdown Standoff Ahead of Meeting With Trump

A government shutdown is ’totally up to the Democrats,‘ Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told NBC’s ’Meet the Press’ as Democrats press on healthcare.

(L–R) House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) listen during a Hanukkah reception at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Dec. 17, 2024. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders are digging their heels in ahead of a critical meeting with President Donald Trump to avoid a potential government shutdown this week, each pinning the blame for any negotiations that fail tomorrow on the opposing party.

Trump agreed to meet with Senate and House leaders of both parties on Sept. 29 to hopefully broker a deal to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded until a long-term spending bill can be passed.