Trump announces an agreement to lift the shutdown

We have reached an agreement – Trump

US President Donald Trump has approved an agreement to reopen the US government for three weeks after the closure of a record of federal agencies.

But the deal does not include the money demanded by Mr Trump for the construction of a US-Mexican border wall.

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The Republican president had previously pledged to reject such a bill, unless it included $ 5.7 billion ($ 4.3 billion) to fund his campaign promise. signatures.

But the Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, flatly refused.

What did President Trump say?
Speaking at day 35 of the Rose Garden 's closure to the White House, Mr. Trump said he was "very proud to announce" that the agreement would fund the government up to the end of the year. to February 15th.

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He said federal workers affected by the political imbroglio, which he described as "incredible patriots", would receive a full payment.

Mr. Trump also stated that he had decided at that time not to resort to "a very powerful alternative" – ​​an apparent reference to the declaration of a national emergency.

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This could divert military funds towards the construction of a southern border wall, but such a proclamation would provoke a constitutional outcry and legal difficulties.

However, the president added, "We really have no choice but to build a mighty wall or a steel barrier.

"If we do not get a fair deal from Congress, the government will be closed again on February 15th.

"Or I will use the powers conferred on me by the laws and the constitution of the United States to remedy this emergency situation."

And then?
Just after the president's announcement, Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell said he hoped the Democrats would negotiate "in good faith" with Republicans on border security.

His Democratic counterpart, Chuck Schumer, expressed his optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement.

"I sincerely hope that this process will produce something good for the country and acceptable to both parties," said the New York senator.

He added that, while the parties disagreed on some details, the two sides agreed on some issues, including the need to "enhance security at our points of entry".

At a joint press conference with Schumer, Democratic House Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "I can not guarantee the public anything the president will do, but I have to to say that I am optimistic. "

Credit: The BBC