Overview

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will not back a spending bill crafted solely by Republicans.
• He said he had an opening conversation with Speaker Mike Johnson focused on finding common ground but reiterated opposition to partisan legislation.
• Jeffries noted close coordination with Senate Democrats, as Chuck Schumer issued a letter arguing only a bipartisan bill can avert a shutdown.
• Congress faces a Sept. 30 funding deadline, with the government at risk of a shutdown if a bill does not reach President Trump by Oct. 1.
• A March GOP stopgap became law with support from Schumer and moderate Senate Democrats, a move that angered House Democrats and shapes current strategy.