WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance warned that a government shutdown is imminent following tense negotiations with Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and House Minority Leader Halee Jeffries.

Vance said the talks broke down over a proposed $1.5 trillion spending package backed by Democrats, which included funding for free health care for undocumented immigrants.

“We told them that was absurd — and now they’re willing to shut down the government over it. It’s unacceptable,” Vance stated after the meeting.

The standoff highlights a deep partisan divide as the deadline to fund the government approaches. Republicans insist that the proposed spending is reckless and unfair to American taxpayers, while Democrats argue that the package addresses urgent social and healthcare needs.

With little time left to reach an agreement, the political impasse raises uncertainty about whether lawmakers can avoid a shutdown that could impact federal workers, public services, and the broader economy.