The federal government remains closed amid a bitter impasse on Capitol Hill over competing congressional spending bills.
President Donald Trump and Republicans have cast blame for the shutdown on Democrats' health care demands, while Democrats insist Republicans need to negotiate.
The Trump administration has threatened mass layoffs of some federal workers during the shutdown.
'The era for unprofessional appearance is over,' Hegseth says
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told top-ranking generals and admirals that physical fitness tests and grooming standards will now be in place for men and women working in the Department of War, saying "the era for unprofessional appearance is over."
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Virginia.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
He said that seeing "fat troops" or "fat generals" is a "bad look" and is "not who we are."
Hegseth emphasized that if those working for the Pentagon do not meet those standards, "it's time for a new position, or a new profession."
Sep 30, 2025, 8:44 AM EDT
Hegseth tells admirals, generals that they 'must prepare now' for war
When speaking to top-ranking generals and admirals at a meeting in Quantico, Virginia, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the department "must prepare now" for war.
"The time is now," Hegseth said on Tuesday morning.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Virginia.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Hegseth also emphasized the importance of "peace through strength" and having the "right people and the right culture."
He added that the department is "clearing the way for leaders to be leaders."
"You might say we are ending the war on warriors," Hegseth said.
Sep 30, 2025, 6:09 AM EDT
Schumer accuses Trump of throwing 'tantrums' over potential shutdown
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer late on Monday responded to a post from President Donald Trump, saying the president could "only throw tantrums" rather than negotiating a deal to avert a potential government shutdown.
"If you think your shutdown is a joke, it just proves what we all know: You can’t negotiate," Schumer said. "You can only throw tantrums."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., talks to reporters as he departs for a meeting with President Donald Trump and the top four congressional leaders to discuss the government funding crisis, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
The reply followed an earlier post by Trump that included a manipulated video featuring likenesses of Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries and Schumer met earlier Monday with Trump in the Oval Office as part of bipartisan talks seeking a deal to avert a shutdown, which would begin at midnight on Wednesday.
-ABC News’ Justin Gomez
Sep 29, 2025, 6:27 PM EDT
Bondi directs ‘all necessary officers’ to protect ICE
Attorney General Pam Bondi formalized her directive dispatching "all necessary officers" from ATF, the U.S. Marshals, DEA and FBI "to defend ICE facilities and personnel whenever and wherever they come under attack, including Portland and Chicago."
Bondi previously announced the directive in social media posts over the weekend.
In her memo, Bondi said she has directed the department to evaluate whether existing grant fundings and other technical assistance can be proved to federal, state and local authorities providing assistance to ICE facilities.
Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as President Donald Trump signs a presidential memorandum on the death penalty in the District of Columbia in the Oval Office at the White House, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
She added that funding could also be used toward "the purchase of body-worn cameras and other such equipment" that may be deemed necessary by federal authorities.
"The Department of Justice will arrest and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law every person who aids, abets, or conspires to commit these crimes, whether through funding, coordination, planning, or other means," Bondi said.
