Shutdown: A (Temporary?) End

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced on the Senate floor last week that the president is open to a three-week stopgap measure to reopen the government and provide time for a broader border security deal as long as it includes some of his priorities, many people didn’t take him seriously. Yet the prolonged shutdown appears to have made the improbable possible; today President Trump announced that he would sign on to a 3-week funding package to re-open the government through February 15th. This re-opening of the government comes with the caveat that these three weeks are to be used to work out a compromise. If no compromise is reached, the President has stated he would be open to declaring a state of emergency and reapportioning already appropriated funds to build a wall.

While this is a welcome respite from a partially closed government, much will hinge on what the President is willing to give up over the next three weeks. The Democrats have proven they can stand united in opposition to a border wall, and public opinion polls have shown more and more erosion in support for the President the longer the shutdown drags on. So, will the President stay the course on February 16th and declare a state of emergency if no deal is reached? The next three weeks will be an interesting time in DC.

Questions or comments? Contact VP of Public Policy Ashley Amidon at aamidon@pestworld.org.