Trump Refuses Changes to Senate Bill Ending Shutdown
On Monday, President Donald Trump stated he does not wish to modify the Senate bill aimed at resolving the partial government shutdown.
Sharing his thoughts on Truth Social, Trump expressed that, despite being a Democrat, he believes the bill should remain unchanged. Some conservative Republicans are insisting on election integrity and are hesitant to support funding for the Department of Homeland Security over temporary funding concerns.
Trump emphasized his commitment, saying:
“I am working hard with Speaker Johnson to get the current funding agreement passed by the Senate last week through the House, to my desk, and immediately signed into law. We need open government. I hope all Republicans and Democrats join me in supporting this bill and send it to my desk without delay. No changes are possible at this time. We intend to work together in good faith to address the issues raised, but we cannot afford another prolonged, pointless, and destructive government shutdown that will do so much damage to our country, one that benefits neither Republicans nor Democrats. Please vote ‘YES’!”
Later that day, during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office for Project Vault, a $12 billion critical minerals reserve, Trump remarked that he felt Congress was “very close to a resolution.” When a reporter inquired about the current situation, he replied:
“Well, I’ve talked to Chairman Johnson, I’ve talked to Leader Thune, and I think we’re very close to a solution.”
He also noted the impact of past shutdowns, stating that GDP had been 5.6% before losing nearly a point and a half due to a 42-day shutdown. “Think about it. We should have been at 7%. No one had ever seen a number like 7,” he remarked.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett previously indicated during the Democratic shutdown in November that the U.S. was incurring losses of $15 billion weekly, which could cut GDP by 1 to 1.5 percentage points in the fourth quarter.
“But nevertheless, we have the highest numbers ever,” Trump added on Monday. “We’re on track, we’re doing well, but I want to say that I’ve talked to Sen. Schumer a number of times and I don’t think they want to shut down either.”
