Trump has Ended Shutdown for 3-Weeks to support CR

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On Friday, the U.S President Donald Trump announced that he will support a 3-week continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the shuttered portions of the government through February 15 after the partial government shutdown on the 35^th day. It is noteworthy that the move will not provide money for his southern border wall, but it will provide federal employees a relaxation. The temporary spending solution will allow a significant amount of time for lawmakers to negotiate a long-term border security plan that the president will support. It should also provide federal workers and agencies with funding.

The president also warned that he is prepared to shut down the government for a 2^nd time if a deal is not struck during the 3-week funding stretch. He added referring to declare a national emergency, “If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shut down on February 15th, again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency. I had a very powerful alternative, but I didn’t want to use it at this time”.

Last month prior to the government shuttering, the GOP-controlled Senate passed the same temporary spending measure to prevent a shutdown. The U.S Congress didn’t reach a deal after the president said he required at least $5.7 billion in border wall funding. Lawmakers said they expect the CR to pass through both chambers and be signed by Trump sometime Friday.

The U.S Congress members will participate in a bipartisan conference committee to hash out a broader border security deal after its passing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “In the conference, Democrats and Republicans will have the opportunity to negotiate the details of the Homeland Security bill, which includes issues of border security, humanitarian aid, drug inspection technology, and many others”.