The government shutdown is in its second week with no end in sight. Congress returns from holiday break and Donald Trump has invited leaders from both parties to the White House on Wednesday. But will they accept? Or will this be another photo op?
The Daily Beast reports the agenda for the meeting isn’t reopening the government but “border security.”
"Let's make a deal?" President Trump tweeted. Then he invited congressional leaders to a briefing on border security. https://t.co/cPfYvkKJCW
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) January 1, 2019
But after an eleven day shutdown, it’s doubtful Democrats will want to discuss anything but getting government employees back to work.
.@realDonaldTrump has given Democrats a great opportunity to show how we will govern responsibly & quickly pass our plan to end the irresponsible #TrumpShutdown – just the first sign of things to come in our new Democratic Majority committed to working #ForThePeople. https://t.co/CGl1euCotB
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 1, 2019
Trump is not backing down on his demand that Congress appropriate $5 billion for his border wall. Currently, there is no Democratic plan that contains a penny for the wall. Welcome to divided government.