Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have formally called on President Donald Trump to meet with them ahead of the September 30 deadline to prevent a government shutdown.
In a letter sent Saturday, the duo accused Republican leadership, at Trump’s direction, of refusing to engage in bipartisan talks to avoid the shutdown. They urged the White House and GOP leaders to negotiate what they describe as a more responsible spending agreement that safeguards healthcare programs and serves American families.
The request comes after Senate Democrats rejected a stopgap funding bill that would have extended government funding through November 21. Schumer and Jeffries argued that the proposed bill fails to protect critical healthcare protections—such as Medicaid and insurance subsidies—and say they will not support legislation that undermines those programs.
A White House official responded by saying the Democrats walked away from negotiations and called the letter a sign of “desperation.” With federal funding set to expire at the end of the month, both sides now face mounting pressure to reach a deal.