WASHINGTON — As the government shutdown continues into Sunday afternoon, constituents wanting to leave a comment for the White House are faced with a rather divisive answering machine message.
“Thank you for calling the White House. Unfortunately we cannot answer your call today because Congressional Democrats are holding government funding, including funding for our troops and other national security priorities hostage to an unrelated immigration debate. Due to this obstruction, the government is shut down,” said an automated message from the White House’s comment line. “We look forward to taking your calls as soon as the government reopens.”
Senate Democrats and Republicans were unable to reach a short-term spending compromise for Friday’s deadline over immigration, military funding and children’s health insurance, among other issues.
Both parties in Congress spent Saturday, the anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, placing the blame on each other over the shutdown.
On Sunday morning, President Trump tweeted, “Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our Military and Safety at the Border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked.”
Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our Military and Safety at the Border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked. If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51% (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget, no C.R.’s!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018
The next vote to reopen the government is scheduled for 1 a.m.
