Clock is ticking for Senate to prevent government shutdown

WASHINGTON —

The Senate is tasked with passing a Republican-proposed short-term spending bill to keep government agencies open, with a deadline looming at the end of the month.

Democratic leaders are requesting a meeting with Republicans to discuss preserving health care programs like Medicaid.

Overnight, Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries sent a letter to President Donald Trump demanding a meeting, stating, "We will not support a dirty spending bill that continues the Republican assault on healthcare."

The letter also said, "We write to demand a meeting in connection with your decision to shut down the federal government because of the Republican desire to continue to gut the healthcare of the American people."

On Friday, the House approved a Republican pr