Shutdown talk heats up as Democrats insist on stopping health care cuts

WASHINGTON — A deadline looming, Congress charged Monday toward a federal government shutdown as Republicans brush back Democratic demands to save health care funding from cutbacks, while Democrats are flexing a newfound willingness to play hardball , even if it means closing offices and services.

Republican leaders are ready to call the Democrats’ bluff, possibly as soon as this week, with a test vote before the end-of-the-month deadline to keep government running.

What You Need To Know

A deadline looming, Congress is charging toward a federal government shutdown

Republicans are brushing back Democratic demands to save health care funding from cutbacks. But Democrats are flexing a newfound willingness to play hardball

Republican leaders are ready to call the Democrats’ blu