We have now reached the 30th day of the longest government shutdown in US history. As of this morning, Democrats and Republicans appear no closer to ending the impasse than when it began. Hundreds of thousands of US government employees have now gone without pay for nearly a month.
Government Shutdown: End in Sight?
President Trump is doing the usual things he does when a major crisis occurs: tweeting.
Democrats campaigned on working within Washington and “getting things done!” How is that working out? #2020TAKEBACKTHEHOUSE
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2019
On Sunday, the US President offered to temporarily extend the protections for young immigrants brought to the country illegally, known as Dreamers. In exchange for these temporary protections, President Trump is asking for $5.7 billion to build a wall on the Southern US/Mexico border. The wall is the whole reason for this government shutdown. The Democrats declined and said the three-year protection wasn’t long enough.
The US President took hits from both sides after the compromise. Those who voted for him accused him of embracing “amnesty” while trying to build a wall on the border, which somewhat contradicts themselves.
“No, Amnesty is not a part of my offer,” Trump tweeted, noting that he’d offered temporary, three-year extensions — not permanent relief. But he added: “Amnesty will be used only on a much bigger deal, whether on immigration or something else.”
>> Government Shutdown: US Coast Guard Working Without Pay
The new proposal is being passed to the Senate floor this week, but Democrats are saying there is little chance this measure will reach the 60 votes needed. Currently, Republicans in the Senate hold a 53-47 majority. It is unlikely that any democratic senators will budge on the issue, thus continuing the government shutdown.
The ugliness on Washington continues, and it doesn’t help that the US President is basically egging it on.
Nancy Pelosi and some of the Democrats turned down my offer yesterday before I even got up to speak. They don’t see crime & drugs, they only see 2020 – which they are not going to win. Best economy! They should do the right thing for the Country & allow people to go back to work.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2019
At this time, there seems to be no end in sight on the government shutdown. Hopefully, government leaders will start working together soon or thousands of US government employees could face serious financial issues, if they haven’t already.
Featured Image: Depositphotos © svetas
