White House ramps up pressure on Democrats’ shutdown strategy

Democratic leaders are digging in on their demands for keeping the federal government open, even after a startling missive from the White House budget office putting agencies on notice to potentially shutter entire programs and conduct mass firings if a partial shutdown occurs.

Sources on both sides of the aisle and nonpartisan analysts agreed that, beyond the tough talk, top congressional Democrats have a weak hand to play and no discernible strategy for extracting the concessions from President Donald Trump and GOP leaders that t hey want on health care policy .

“A shutdown for the sake of a shutdown doesn’t help anyone,” a former Democratic congressional aide granted anonymity to speak candidly said. “If there is a shutdown, there also needs to be a plan to get out of it — and it wi