House Democrats stop funding talks, risking government shutdown
House Democrats have halted discussions on stopgap funding as a government shutdown approaches. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson's plan for a "clean" continuing resolution, calling it "unacceptable." Johnson plans to propose a bill that maintains current funding levels but does not include cuts demanded by conservative Republicans. Democrats oppose any measure that could reduce funding for healthcare and veterans benefits. Congress must pass a funding measure by March 14 to avoid a shutdown. Any bill from the GOP-led House will require support from at least seven Democratic senators to pass in the Senate.