The White House moved to put further pressure on Democrats on Wednesday night, with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought issuing a memo directing agencies to prepare plans to make permanent layoffs if funding lapses, on top of the typical furloughs that happen during shutdowns.

The Trump administration warned Democrats risked a flood insurance lapse during the shutdown fight, endangering home sales and FEMA funds as hurricane season peaked.

Democrats hit back Thursday at President Donald Trump’s threat to fire thousands of federal workers if the government shuts down as soon as next week. After the White House budget chief warned of permanent layoffs,

Trump has repeatedly targeted Democrats over gender-reassignment surgeries—without explaining what he means—in blaming them for a possible government shutdown.

S.D., accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of hypocrisy for opposing government funding after supporting it earlier this year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune is rejecting Democratic demands on health care as unserious but says a government shutdown is still “avoidable” despite sharp divisions ahead of Wednesday’s funding deadline.

Sources on both sides of the aisle and nonpartisan analysts agree that top congressional Democrats have a weak hand to play.

As a potential shutdown looms, Democratic leaders signaled they will stand firm in negotiations over government funding.

Iowa Republicans say Democrats shouldn't play politics in shutdown talks as Democrats urge the extension of ACA subsidies in a government funding deal