1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

With the shutdown deadline just hours away, Republicans are refusing to act on measures that would prevent health care costs from spiking. Democrats are pushing for a bipartisan solution, but GOP leaders have left town, and President Trump keeps reversing his position on negotiations. Democratic leaders requested a direct meeting with Trump, hoping to break the impasse. He agreed, then backed out, then changed his mind again. Talks that were supposed to involve three people now include five, with little progress in sight. Meanwhile, Trump continues to misrepresent Democratic proposals—most recently claiming they want “transgender for everybody,” a bizarre and baseless statement. No such request has been made. The White House budget office is threatening mass layoffs if a shutdown occurs, going beyond the usual furloughs. This is reckless and unnecessary.