WASHINGTON (Enmaeya News) — September 30, 2025

Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over government funding as the Oct. 1 deadline approaches, raising the risk of a U.S. government shutdown.

Congressional leaders met at the White House Monday but made little progress. Vice President J.D. Vance said after the meeting, “I think we’re headed to a shutdown.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said there are “very large differences” between the two parties. Democrats are pushing to extend health care subsidies, while Republicans want to extend current government funding levels for seven weeks.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats, saying Schumer and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries “refuse to acknowledge the simple facts.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of “hostage-taking” and “hijacking” the appropriations process. GOP leaders urged Democratic senators to support a House-passed bill to extend funding.

With little progress, the government faces a possible shutdown starting at midnight Wednesday. The Senate plans to bring the House bill for another vote Tuesday.