It would seem we have reached an impasse in this discussion if no one will agree on the most basic of issues. which phrase provides the best clue to the meaning of impasse?

Congress is controlled by the democrats. president yaeger, a republican, takes several actions that are opposed by the democrats in congress. first, the president introduces a new budget that cuts most of the government's social programs and gives tax breaks to the wealthy. next, president yaeger negotiates a trade treaty with a nation accused of human rights abuses. then, the president gives pardons to three republican senators who have been convicted of crimes.