On Thursday, the Republican senators struck down a bill that would have temporarily reopened the federal government, falling short of the 60 votes required to defeat a GOP filibuster. The measure would have reopened federal agencies through 8 February to allow time for negotiations. It is an approach Republican leadership tried last month before being undercut by Donald Trump.
The president is now rejecting to reopen the government until he gets a deal on funding for his proposed border wall at U.S-Mexico border. Polls have shown that the public is accusing Trump of the shutdown and his approval numbers have sunk as the impasse drags on. It is noteworthy that the partial government shutdown is now in its 34th day. Federal workers are on the verge of missing another paycheck Friday.
Democrats also blocked request of Trump for $5.7 billion to build the wall, with a partisan 50-47 vote. The $350 billion government-wide funding bill represented the first attempt by Republicans controlling the U.S Senate to reopen the government since the shutdown started. The measure would have also provided 3 years of continued protection against deportation for 700,000 immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.
The economy is doing great. More people working in U.S.A. today than at any time in our HISTORY. Media barely covers! @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2019
Without a Wall there cannot be safety and security at the Border or for the U.S.A. BUILD THE WALL AND CRIME WILL FALL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2019
Trump responded in real time on Twitter and said, “Very simply, without a Wall, it all doesn’t work. We will not Cave”! Twin defeats might spur the two sides into a more serious effort to reach an agreement. The impact of the shutdown has become more painful. The lawmakers said that they are willing to compromise on border security and immigration policy.