As the deadline for government funding approaches, U.S. lawmakers are racing against the clock to avert a potential shutdown. Democrats are demanding that Trump use appropriated funds to ease tensions, while some Republicans warn that a stopgap measure is becoming more likely. The ongoing struggle over budget approvals has led Congress to focus on tax cuts and agency layoffs, further complicating negotiations. With time running out, both parties are under pressure to reach an agreement amid a backdrop of political maneuvering and funding restrictions.