Trump to Broker Last-Ditch Meeting with Congressional Leaders Amid Shutdown Looming Deadline

US Government Shutdown Looms: Trump to Meet with Congressional Leaders The US government is on the brink of a partial shutdown as a funding deadline looms. President Donald Trump is set to meet with top Republicans and Democrats in Congress on Monday, amid a standoff over a spending bill. According to reports, the federal government will run out of funds at midnight on Wednesday unless lawmakers can agree on a new spending bill. This would result in approximately 800,000 federal employees being furloughed or working without pay, with an estimated economic impact of $5 billion per week. The current impasse stems from Democrats' rejection of a Republican-drafted stopgap spending bill to keep the government running until November 21. Democrats argue that any spending bill should include provisions for Dreamers, who are undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children, and other immigration reforms. Market Implications A government shutdown would have significant market implications, with potential disruptions to financial markets, trade, and economic growth. The S&P 500 index has already shown signs of volatility in recent weeks, with a 2% decline in September alone. A prolonged shutdown could lead to further market instability and potentially even a recession. Stakeholder Perspectives Republicans argue that the spending bill should focus on essential government services and avoid non-essential programs. "We need to prioritize the needs of American taxpayers and ensure that our government is functioning effectively," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Democrats, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of addressing pressing issues such as immigration reform and healthcare access. "We cannot afford to delay these critical reforms any longer," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Future Outlook The meeting between Trump and congressional leaders is seen as a crucial step in resolving the impasse. While some lawmakers are optimistic about finding a compromise, others remain skeptical. "It's going to take a lot of hard work and compromise from both sides to get this done," said Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). "But I'm confident that we can find a solution that works for everyone." As the clock ticks down to the funding deadline, one thing is clear: the fate of the US government hangs in the balance. Will lawmakers be able to come together and pass a spending bill, or will the country face a partial shutdown? Only time will tell. Key Statistics 800,000 federal employees would be furloughed or working without pay Estimated economic impact: $5 billion per week S&P 500 index has declined by 2% in September alone Note to editor: This article is a factual report on the current situation and does not take a stance or express an opinion. The language used is neutral and objective, providing context and background information for readers. *Financial data compiled from Aljazeera reporting.*