Ahead of a meeting between lawmakers and US President Donald Trump, the Republican leaders of Congress sought on Sunday to blame Democrats for an impasse before a looming deadline to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown and urged them to agree to a short-term bill to buy some time.
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Without passage of funding legislation, parts of the government would close on Wednesday, the first day of the US government’s 2026 financial year.
Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but a temporary measure keeping the government open would have to amass at least 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate, meaning some Democratic votes would be needed.
But so far, Senate Democrats have rejected a short-term bill, demanding that any legislation undo recent Republican cuts to healthcare programmes.
The Republican president has summoned congressional leaders from both parties to a White House meeting on Monday to discuss funding legislation.
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Trump told Reuters on Sunday that he believes Democrats want to reach an agreement.