Donald Trump says he would ‘love a US government shutdown’ as funding debates continue
Republicans have proposed a temporary measure would keep the US government running through until March 23, but it is opposed by Democrats
US President Donald Trump has said he would welcome a federal government shutdown if Congress is not able to agree to changes in immigration law that he claims would prevent criminals from entering the country.
“If we don’t change the legislation, if we don’t get rid of these loopholes where killers are allowed to come into our country and continue to kill ... if we don’t change it, let’s have a shutdown,” Trump told a law enforcement panel discussing the California-originated MS-13 gang at the White House on Tuesday.
“I’d love to see a shutdown if we don’t get this stuff taken care of.”
Trump knocks down bipartisan immigration bill over lack of wall funding
Trump’s comments came as lawmakers are working on reaching a deal on spending limits two days before a stop-gap government funding bill is due to expire.
Meanwhile, the GOP-controlled House has said it wants to pass a plan to keep the government open for six more weeks while Washington grapples with the budget pact.
The measure comes as negotiations on a broader budget deal appear to be inching toward an agreement that would award both the Pentagon and domestic agencies with relief from a budget freeze.