President Biden to Meet Congressional Leaders Amid Looming Government Shutdown
Concerns Over Government Shutdown
President Joe Biden is set to meet with top Democrats and Republicans in Congress to address the looming threat of a partial government shutdown in just four days. The aim is to push for the passing of an aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
White House Meeting and Funding Issues
The meeting at the White House comes after a $1.59 trillion discretionary spending level agreement between Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. However, Congress has failed to fund the government, largely due to in-fighting among Republicans.
Challenges in Passing Spending Bill
Ultra-conservative Republicans in the House are holding up the spending bill, demanding spending cuts and policy changes. This has led to repeated threats of a government shutdown in recent months.
Efforts to Avoid Shutdown
Democrats are working to avoid a shutdown, but challenges persist. The first batch of government funding is set to expire soon, with additional agencies facing funding cuts in the coming days.
National Security Aid and Political Pressures
President Biden will advocate for a $95 billion national security aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. The House is under pressure to pass this bill, but hurdles remain.
Public Pressure and National Security
The White House has intensified pressure on Johnson, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national security interests over political disputes. This push comes amid heightened tensions, notably the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
