With the clock ticking down to a potential government shutdown, the atmosphere in Washington is charged with tension. President Donald Trump and congressional leaders are set for a pivotal meeting at the White House at 3 p.m. on Monday, with both parties holding firm on their positions and no signs of compromise in sight.

Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are steadfast, opposing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who are advocating for a compromise on health policy. Central to the discussions is the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a critical issue with the expiry date looming at year's end.

Despite the urgency, senior Republicans are reluctant to strike a deal on the ACA subsidies, fearing backlash from their own ranks. Over the weekend, several GOP hardliners issued stark warnings against any agreement on these subsidies. Meanwhile, a group of Senate Republicans has been working on a proposal that would extend the subsidies coupled with conservative policy changes, engaging with White House officials and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz to ensure alignment.

As tactical maneuvers escalate, the Senate has deferred voting on the GOP's continuing resolution (CR) until Tuesday, and House GOP leaders are contemplating a recess next week during a potential shutdown. This comes as some Republicans express hope that Democrats will support the GOP CR as they did earlier in March. However, Trump has hinted at making any shutdown politically painful for opponents, particularly targeting states led by Democrats.

On the Democratic side, unity is lacking, with differing views on the GOP CR between the House and the Senate. Jeffries demands that any health care agreement be "ironclad and in legislation," while Schumer encourages dialogue, having initiated the White House meeting.

Amid these high-stakes negotiations, the administration has not yet finalized closure plans for agencies, leaving much hanging on the outcome of Monday's meeting.

Other Developments to Watch:

— The Jeffrey Epstein Files: Resistance is building among GOP Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert against senior Republican efforts to quash a bipartisan initiative to release the Epstein files. Their support is crucial for the discharge petition led by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, which is close to securing the necessary signatures.

— Jan. 6 Probe Revisited: House Republicans have launched a subcommittee to reexamine the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, aiming to reshape public understanding of the events. Chaired by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, the panel is reviewing documents and identifying potential investigative targets.

As Monday's meeting approaches, all eyes are on the White House, where the decisions made could shape the political landscape for months to come.