Shutdown News: Jan. 14, 2019

Shutdown Update

The partial federal government shutdown is now in its third week. The funding impasse endures as President Trump continues to insist on receiving funding for a wall on the southern border and congressional Democrats refuse to provide it. Congressional leaders from both parties are meeting with White House officials regularly, but they do not appear close to a compromise that will end the partial shutdown.

The 116th Congress began last week, and as one of its first orders of business, the new House Democratic majority passed a legislative package that includes funding for six of the seven outstanding appropriations bills through September. The House also passed a continuing resolution to extend Department of Homeland Security funding at fiscal year (FY) 2018 levels until February 8. However, the Senate does not intend to take up either bill. This week, the House began passing the bills individually, but there is no indication that the Senate will consider this piecemeal approach.

President Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, making his case that there is a crisis on the southern border and a wall is necessary for border security. The administration is examining whether the president can declare a national emergency to build the wall. Such a step would sidestep Congress, and likely be challenged in the courts. While the president and congressional leaders continue to meet, most people do not seem optimistic their meetings will soon lead to a solution.

Additional information and guidance regarding the shutdown is available here. The Office of Federal Relations will continue to update this information as federal agencies release additional guidance.