TRUMP SHUTDOWN - End to Hostage Crisis, Maybe

Trump the Hut

"Why Trump is ‘edging closer’ to declaring a national emergency over border wall" PBS NewsHour 1/21/2019

aka "Dictator-want-to-be to Ignore Congress"

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  On day 31 of the partial government shutdown, the only deal on the table is the one President Trump proposed Saturday, which would provide temporary protection for DACA recipients in exchange for $5.7 billion for a border wall.  Democrats immediately rejected the plan, but Sen. Mitch McConnell is expected to bring it to a vote.  Judy Woodruff talks to Yamiche Alcindor for more.

"As Trump and Pelosi spar over State of the Union, Democrats consider funding compromise" PBS NewsHour 1/23/2019

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SUMMARY:  On day 33 of the government shutdown, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House won't host the President's State of the Union address until the shutdown is resolved.  In response, President Trump said Pelosi is "afraid of the truth."  Meanwhile, some Democrats are considering a new plan for $5.7 billion in border security, but no wall.  Judy Woodruff talks to Yamiche Alcindor and Lisa Desjardins.

"Trump and Pelosi must ‘both give a little,’ says Sen. Rounds" PBS NewsHour 1/23/2019

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SUMMARY:  As the Senate prepares to vote on two funding proposals Thursday, what are their expectations for making progress to end the government shutdown?  Judy Woodruff speaks to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) for his take on how we got to this point, what Democrats and Republicans should do next and why the President's request for additional miles of border barrier is "not unreasonable."

"‘End this shutdown madness,’ says Sen. Van Hollen" PBS NewsHour 1/23/2019

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SUMMARY:  The Senate is scheduled to vote on two funding proposals Thursday, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md) says he hasn't given up hope that the one to reopen the government for two weeks will pass.  Judy Woodruff talks to Sen. Van Hollen about the "poison pills" included in President Trump's most recent proposal and why the short-term funding deal represents a bipartisan "best alternative" for now.

"On day 34 of shutdown, signs of progress toward resolution" PBS NewsHour 1/24/2019

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SUMMARY:  Two bills to end the government shutdown failed in the Senate Thursday, as expected.  But there are a few signs of progress, with support building for a proposal by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).  Meanwhile, thousands of federal workers will miss another paycheck this Friday.  Judy Woodruff is joined by Lisa Desjardins and Yamiche Alcindor for the latest.

Nancy Pelosi gets partial win (aka spanks little boy Donny)

"How ‘pressure mounting’ on Trump led him to make temporary deal" PBS NewsHour 1/25/2019

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SUMMARY:  On Friday, President Trump announced a deal to reopen the government for three weeks.  The funding plan does not include immediate money for a border wall.  It will allow Democrats and Republicans to negotiate a longer-term solution without the shadow of the shutdown hanging over them -- in theory, at least.  Lisa Desjardins and Yamiche Alcindor join Judy Woodruff with the latest.

"Of temporary funding deal, Rep. Lujan says ‘we’re all moving forward’" PBS NewsHour 1/25/2019

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SUMMARY:  After President Trump reached a deal with Congress to reopen the government and fund it for three weeks, “we’re all moving forward,” says Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.).  He talks to Judy Woodruff about what he sees as the administration’s “lack of empathy,” why the President should take responsibility for the shutdown and anticipating a “robust conversation” about border security.