Washington, January 22: United States President Donald Trump has engaged in a telephonic conversation with leaders in Congress and several members of his Cabinet, in hopes of finding a deal to end the government shutdown before it enters a third day. "We are continuing to work hard towards reopening the government and making sure our great military and their families, vulnerable children and the American people are being taken care of," the Hill reported, citing, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying in a statement.

Chief of staff John Kelly spoke to Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and updated the President on the talks. The US Government shut down at midnight on Friday after Democrats and Republicans locked in a bitter dispute over immigration and border security and failed to agree on a last-minute deal to fund its operations.

The bill needed 60 votes in the 100-member Senate, but only 50 supported it. Trump immediately moved to blame Democrats. "Tonight, they put politics above our national security, military families, vulnerable children, and our country's ability to serve all Americans," the White House said in a statement. Trump has not made a public appearance since the shutdown began.