Congress seeks extension
Two-week funding bill would avert government shutdown
WASHINGTON—Congressional leaders introduced a two-week funding bill Monday to avert a partial government shutdown over President Donald Trump’s border wall, as business in the Capitol came to a standstill for ceremonies honoring former President George H.W. Bush.
The stopgap measure would keep the government funded through Dec. 21, two weeks after a Friday deadline when funding for a portion of the government, including the Department of Homeland Security, is set to expire.
The measure comes as Trump kept up pressure Monday on congressional Democrats to fund his promised border wall and threatened other actions to deter illegal immigration as negotiations continue.
“We would save Billions of Dollars if the Democrats would give us the votes to build the Wall,” Trump tweeted without evidence Monday. “Either way, people will NOT be allowed into our Country illegally! We will close the entire Southern Border if necessary.”
House leaders canceled roll call votes this week for ceremonies honoring Bush, who died Friday, meaning an extension will be needed to avert a funding lapse.
While Democrats prefer a one-week extension, they signaled they would not object to a two-week delay. Trump made clear over the weekend he would agree to a short-term funding extension to allow for ceremonies honoring Bush.
Democrats have little interest in providing the $5 billion Trump wants for the southern border, and with the party set to take control of the House in the new year, opposition to the wall has hardened.
Even some Republicans balk at spending more than the $1.6 billion for fencing and other security improvements already provided.
But Trump has signaled he’s ready to fight for the money as one of the last big-ticket items of the GOP-led Congress before Democrats take over the House following a decisive victory in the midterm elections.
The president invited the top Democratic leaders, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, to the White House for a meeting today, but Democrats asked to postpone it because of Bush’s funeral. The meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for Dec. 11, said a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday he would be willing to sign a two-week funding extension. “I would absolutely consider it and probably give it,” he told reporters.