ASSOCIATED PRESS – (WBAP/KLIF) – President Trump dug in during a standoff with Democrats concerning his demand for billions of dollars in US-Mexico border wall money. The shutdown will disrupt government operations and leave hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed, or forced to work without pay just days before Christmas. White House negotiators left the Capitol and the House and Senate adjourned for the night with no votes scheduled.
Funding lapses at midnight. Delays may first be felt by holiday travelers at airports. While many TSA security workers will be considered essential personnel, there are chances packed airports could see greater delays with fewer security guards on duty.
Texas Senator John Cornyn says he returned to Texas on thursday, only to get back on board another flight returning to Washington D C early Friday morning. Democratic Senator Brian Schatz flew all the way home to Hawaii, tweeting he spent 17 minutes with his family before climbing back on board another plane to fly 11 hours returning to DC.
At issue is funding for 9 of 15 Cabinet level departments and dozens of agencies, including Homeland Security, Transportation, Interior, Agriculture, State and Justice, as well as national parks and forests.
The Pentagon and Veterans Affairs, as well as Health and Human Services are funded for the year and will operate as normal.
Negotiations in Washington DC continue; lawmakers could be called back for another vote, with congressional leaders promising to offer them at least 24 hours advance notice of a vote when and if that occurs as soon as this weekend.
(Copyright; All Rights Reserved; WBAP/KLIF)
