The Latest: Trump, congressional leaders hope for progress
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the budget battle in Congress (all times local):3:35 p.m.
President Donald Trump and Democratic and Republican congressional leaders are sounding an optimistic tone as they sit down at the White House.
Trump said Thursday that he hopes the group will make good progress as they prepare to discuss plans to avert a government shutdown and reach an end-of-year budget agreement.
He says: "We're all here as a very friendly, well-unified group."
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also say they hope to come to an agreement.