Overview
- The partial federal shutdown has stretched to roughly 25 days with no agreement to reopen government operations.
- President Trump departed for a weeklong trip with planned stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea focused on trade and regional security.
- Trump told reporters he is willing to meet with Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer to discuss a path to end the funding lapse.
- Schumer criticized the president for “skipping town” and urged Congressional Republicans to deliver a deal that reopens the government.
- The core dispute centers on Democrats’ push to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, which Republicans have resisted in a short-term funding bill.