Democrats, Republicans fail to reach agreement on US government funding

After meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Democratic and Republican congressmen announced that they had failed to reach an agreement on measures to prevent a federal government shutdown, Report informs via TASS.

"We have very large differences," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (a Democrat representing New York) told reporters. He explained that these differences concern healthcare spending and appropriations in areas previously cut by the Washington administration.

"It's up to the Republicans whether they want a shutdown or not. We've made to the president some proposals, Republican leaders will have to talk to them about them. But ultimately, he's the decision maker," Schumer added, referring to Trump. "And if he will accept some of the things we asked, which we think the American people are for on healthcare and on rescissions, he can avoid a shutdown. But there are still large differences between us," he emphasized. House of Representatives Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries made a similar statement.

In turn, US Vice President JD Vance said after the meeting: "I think we're headed into a shutdown because Democrats won't do the right thing. I hope they change their mind but we"re going to see." At the same time, Vance acknowledged that he considers some of the Democrats' proposals reasonable. The vice president assured that the administration would strive to keep key services functioning even if government funding is suspended.