Government shutdown week is officially upon us.
The federal government will run out of money at the end of the day Tuesday — and congressional leaders appear far apart on a plan to avert a funding lapse.
President Trump is meeting at 3 p.m. with the top congressional leaders, known as the "Big Four": Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
The dynamic between Trump and Schumer will be especially important to watch, as Senate Democrats can decide whether to back the GOP's current "clean" funding push or force a shutdown.
This is Trump's first meeting with the "Big Four" since returning to office in January. It's also his first sit-down with Jeffries, whose caucus has fiercely opposed his administration's agenda.
How this meeting came about: Schumer called Senate Republican Leader John Thune (S.D.) on Friday and asked for him to request a meeting with Trump.
Republicans and Democrats are lightyears apart: Republicans want a basic funding extension through Nov. 21 with no bells or whistles. Democrats want some additional measures to be included — extending ObamaCare subsidies, a restriction so Trump can't undo current spending and rolling back Medicaid cuts.
What's the biggest sticking point?: The health care subsidies. Republican and Democratic leaders appeared on various Sunday shows, digging in on the issue.
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