As the deadline for the U.S. government to avert a shutdown looms, President Donald Trump and Congressional Democrats are locked in a high-stakes budget battle.
The dispute centers on a $1.7 trillion discretionary spending bill, with both sides at a standstill.
Democrats insist on preserving expiring healthcare benefits, while Republicans demand that healthcare be dealt with separately from the broader funding package.
With just days remaining before the September 30 deadline, Vice President JD Vance has already signaled that a shutdown is increasingly likely.
The conflict has intensified over President Trump’s refusal to implement Congress-approved spending and his threats to purge federal workers.
Republicans have rejected a proposed short-term extension from Democrats, with their sights set on a November 21 deadline instead.
This standoff comes amid a larger, $7 trillion budget battle, with large programs like retirement and healthcare already funded.
But Democrats are pushing for permanent tax credits to avoid higher healthcare costs for millions of Americans, a move Republicans strongly oppose.
The situation has deepened the divide between the two parties, with the looming government shutdown set to impact federal services, including national parks, NASA, and small business grants.
As the clock ticks down, the U.S. government’s future remains uncertain, with political maneuvering and the upcoming 2026 midterms adding more pressure to the already fragile negotiations.
U.S. government to avert a shutdown looms….
