Trump hosts Central Asian leaders, US eyes rare earth metal

President Donald Trump will host the leaders of five Central Asian countries at the White House on Thursday, where they will discuss accelerating exploration for rare earth metals, essential for high-tech equipment, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and fighter jets.

Trump and officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will participate in a summit in the evening.

The meeting comes after Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at least temporarily resolved differences between the two countries over the export of rare earth elements, a major bone of contention in their trade talks.

Following last week's Trump-Xi talks in South Korea, China said it would postpone its new rare earth export restrictions for a year.

Washington is now exploring new ways to outcompete China in these critical minerals, which are deeply ingrained in Central Asia. But the region desperately needs investment to further develop resources.

Other news we're tracking:

• Trump administration asks court to halt SNAP food aid payments: The Trump administration has requested a federal appeals court to block a judge's order to distribute the full November SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. has given the administration until Friday to make payments through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. However, the administration is seeking a stay on any court order requiring it to spend more than the amount available in the contingency fund.

Senate rejects bill limiting Trump's ability to attack Venezuela: Senate Republicans on Thursday rejected a bill that would have limited Trump's ability to attack the South American nation. Lawmakers, including top Republicans, have demanded more information about U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels. By rejecting a bill that would essentially prevent an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization, Republicans appeared ready to give Trump the freedom to continue building his navy in the region.

• Democrats are considering whether to extend the shutdown: Senate Republicans are moving toward ending the government shutdown by crafting a new bipartisan package of spending bills. This package would fund some parts of the government—food assistance, veterans programs, and the legislative branch, among others—and extend funding for everything else through December or January. Democrats must decide whether to continue fighting for a meaningful agreement to increase healthcare subsidies or hope for a better outcome by reopening the government, as Republicans are promising a vote on healthcare eventually.

• The federal government has been shut down for 38 days.