Trump Announces End To Shutdown

On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced an agreement to reopen the federal government for 21 days, with a catch, and the catch being the threat of using the power of his office to build a wall, or another shutdown.

“We really have no choice but to build  a powerful wall or steel barrier. If we don't get a fair deal from congress.  The government will either shut down on February 15^th, again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States, to address this emergency."

The agreement to reopen the federal government is through a 21-day continuing resolution, and requires congressional approval.  The CR does not include border wall funding, but does include a commitment to negotiate Homeland Security funding, where Washington insiders believe border security funds will be negotiated.

The announcement came one day after the Department of Agriculture reopened Farm Service Agency offices and should also allow the March SNAP benefits to be delivered to recipients.  No previous federal government shutdown has delayed SNAP benefits, and that appears to still be the case.  The February benefits were distributed early to ensure funds were available.

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