WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will meet with the Democratic leaders in Congress this week ahead of a looming risk of a federal government shutdown.

Trump has agreed to meet with Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who are insisting on talks as the Democrats work to preserve health care programs as part of any deal to fund the government ahead of next week’s Oct. 1 deadline.

That’s according to two people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity because they are unauthorized to discuss it. The meeting is set for Thursday, one of the people said.

The chance for Trump and the congressional leaders to open talks comes at a critical period in the government funding cycle, with just days to go before federal money runs out with the end of the fiscal year on Tuesda

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