US Government Shutdown: House Sets Vote on Trump-Backed Deal
The US government entered a partial shutdown as agencies began closing on Monday. However, the House of Representatives scheduled a vote on a stopgap funding measure supported by President Donald Trump, aiming to end the three-day impasse.
Key Developments
- The Republican-led House planned a vote for a bill to fund the government until February 8.
- Democrats in the Senate hold enough votes to potentially block the measure.
- The shutdown stems from a deadlock over $5 billion in funding for a US-Mexico border wall.
- Approximately 800,000 federal workers are furloughed or working without pay.
Trump’s Reversal and the Wall Funding Standoff
President Trump initially refused to sign any spending bill without wall funding, a key 2016 campaign promise. On Monday, he backed the short-term measure after GOP leaders pledged to revisit the wall issue in February.
“At the end of the day, we don’t want to shut down the government, we want to shut down the border,” said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.
Democrats have rejected the $5 billion demand, offering $1.3 billion for other border security measures instead.
Impact on Federal Workers and Services
While the military and some departments are funded until September, agencies like Homeland Security and Justice lack appropriations. National parks and museums have closed.
“We will be forced to work without pay until the government reopens,” said an unnamed TSA officer. “So many of us live paycheck to paycheck.”
Mail delivery remains unaffected.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
Trump accused Democrats of forcing the shutdown for political gain ahead of the 2020 election.
“The only reason they’re shutting down the government is because of the 2020 presidential election,” he tweeted.
Democrats, led by Senator Chuck Schumer, stated they are willing to fund border security but not a wall, and refuse to negotiate until the government reopens.
“We can keep the government open. We can also keep the American people safe. We can do both,” Schumer said.
Public Opinion and Political Stakes
Polls indicate most Americans oppose the wall and disapprove of using a shutdown to secure its funding. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 31% support including wall money in a spending bill.
The shutdown coincided with the third anniversary of Trump’s 2016 election victory, where his immigration stance was a central theme. Its impact on the 2020 race remains uncertain.
