Washington, D.C.

Shutdown showdown: President Trump threatened this week to force a shutdown of the federal government if Congress doesn’t agree to ramp up border spending, including funds to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Congress must pass a spending bill by Sept. 30, and Republicans have sought to delay a debate over immigration until after the midterm elections. “I don’t care what the political ramifications are,” Trump said in a flurry of tweets. “A Government Shutdown is a very small price to pay for a safe and Prosperous America!” Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had told reporters he expected bipartisan support for a spending solution, and Democrats echoed his optimism. Yet Trump appears dead set on fulfilling one of his signature campaign promises, while Republican leaders try to avert a shutdown fight until after the midterms. “It’s mind-boggling to me,” Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said.