entrenched positions in order to avoid a lapse in funding. If government funding legislation isn’t passed by Congress and signed by Trump on Tuesday night, many government offices across the nation will be temporarily shuttered and non-exempt federal employees will be furloughed, adding to the strain on workers and the nation’s economy. However, lawmakers were locked in an impasse on Monday as Democrats demanded legislation to extend healthcare benefits, and Republicans dared them to vote against legislation that would keep government funding mostly at current levels. “There are still large differences between us,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he left the White House.

Vice-President J.D. Vance told reporters after the meeting, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing.” Trump has shown little interest in entertaining Democrats’ demands on healthcare, even as he agreed to hold a sit-down meeting on Monday with Schumer, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. The Republican president has said repeatedly he fully expects the government to enter a shutdown this week. “If it has to shut down, it’ll have to shut down,” Trump said on Friday. “But they’re the ones that are shutting down government.” (Jamaica Gleaner)