WASHINGTON
The White House declined to provide an update on spending bill negotiations during today's press briefing, as Congress races toward an Oct. 31 deadline to fund federal agencies.
Press Secretary Sarah Miller confirmed talks continue between the administration and congressional leaders but offered no specifics on progress, sticking points, or a path to agreement.
Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for steep cuts to non-defense discretionary spending. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is emphasizing the need for bipartisan agreement to keep the government open. President Trump has called for full-year appropriations rather than another short-term extension.
Trump met with House and Senate leadership last week. No public statements emerged describing breakthroughs or agreed-upon spending levels.
Congressional aides said negotiations are focused on policy provisions attached to spending bills rather than overall funding amounts. Neither side has disclosed specific concessions.
A lapse in appropriations would disrupt federal employee pay and halt non-essential government services. The Defense and Health and Human Services departments face particular exposure.
