Overview

• After canceling talks last week, President Trump scheduled a White House meeting Monday with top Democratic and Republican leaders.
• With funding expiring Wednesday, Senate Republicans need at least seven Democratic votes to clear the 60‑vote threshold after a House short‑term bill drew Democratic resistance.
• Health care remains the key impasse, as Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer tie support to safeguarding coverage.
• The White House budget office instructed agencies to prepare furlough or separation letters for staff who could be affected if funding lapses.
• Political messaging hardened, with Speaker Mike Johnson urging Democrats to stop “political games” and Vice President JD Vance accusing them of seeking billions for health benefits for people in the U.S. illegally.