WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a federal government shutdown is “likely,” with Congress deadlocked ahead of a midnight deadline to pass legislation to keep it running.

“Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it’s probably likely,” Trump told reporters.

Democrats and Republicans blame each other for causing the shutdown, which would result in many government agencies coming to a standstill and hundreds of thousands of public servants being furloughed.

Republicans have claimed the bill to extend federal funds for seven weeks is not controversial. Democrats have said they won’t support the legislation unless it includes an extension for expiring health care benefits.

Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer said the Republicans had plenty of time to negotiate healt

See Full Page