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The top four leaders on Capitol Hill are each facing high stakes and competing political incentives as they barrel toward a shutdown.
Sept. 29, 2025Updated 10:33 a.m. ET
Congressional leaders in both parties are facing a host of political risks and real-world consequences for the country in a spending standoff that is threatening a government shutdown within days.
For Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, it is his first big spending showdown as majority leader.
Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana, is toiling to hold on to his narrow House majority, keenly aware that the fight carries risks for his members — and that a spending deal with Democrats cost his predecessor his job.
For Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, both Democrats of New York, the fight is a chance to show a restive base that is hungry for a battle that they are willing to wage one with President Trump.
The four leaders are set to meet with Mr. Trump in the Oval Office on Monday afternoon to address the looming shutdown deadline. Unless they can reach a swift agreement to extend spending and push it through Congress within hours, federal funding is set to lapse after midnight on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at the stakes facing each leader, and their strategies.
Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York
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