6 hours agoUS, still no government reopening agreement
Periskopi(7 years ago)
(7 years ago)After a meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump and the democratic lawmakers failed to reach agreement to reopen the government, which has been partially closed since 22 December. Mr. Trump continues to ask for $5 billion to build a wall on the southern United States border with Mexico. Border agents used [...]
Border agents used tear gas against immigrants trying to cross the US- Mexico border in Tijuana on Tuesday, while in Washington, President Donald Trump continues to demand $5 billion to build a wall at the border.
He rejected a compromise behind scenes offered by the vice president, Mike Pence for half that amount.
No, not 2.5. No. We're looking for 5.6. Somebody said 2.5. No, we're talking national security here”, Mr. Trump said.
He met with Democrats and Republicans closed-door lawmakers at the White House in a safe hall usually used to discuss military operations and other sensitive issues of national security. The talks failed to bring a consensus.
President Trump has invited lawmakers to meet again Friday after Congress elects new leaders. Nancy Pelosi is expected to be head of the House of Representatives.
Our response to the president and Republicans is: Why don't you accept what you've done to open the government and allow us to have 30 days to negotiate border security?
The Democrats will take over the House of Representatives' control today and adopt a law to finance all closed government agencies by September, with a special legislation to finance the National Security Department that monitors border security by February.
Even if the law is passed by the Republican-controlled Senate, President Trump can veto it.
As long as you need. I'm prepared. I think Americans think I'm right”, he said.
The closure of the government at the end of the second week means that 800 thousand government employees will continue to work or work without pay. / VOA/
