48 ساعة على إغلاق الحكومة الأمريكية

Congress leaders are heading to the White House today (Monday), amid low expectations from both parties to avoid a partial government shutdown, less than 48 hours before federal funding expires and some agencies cease operations.

U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to hold the meeting over the weekend after canceling a previously scheduled meeting, but the White House and congressional Republicans have shown no signs of changing their positions. Republicans are demanding the passage of a temporary funding bill extending for seven weeks before entering into any compromises, while Democrats insist on allocating additional billions for healthcare funding before agreeing to the Republican plan.

In a move to raise the stakes, White House Budget Director Russell Vought instructed agencies to prepare lists of employees who may be laid off if funding stops, along with forced leave and delays in regular paychecks during previous shutdowns. Government activities will partially cease starting at 12:01 AM on Wednesday if Congress does not pass a temporary solution, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.