Trump cornered on the boundary wall

But he seemed open to the idea of ​​a bipartisan agreement Thursday. the day after his meeting with Senate Committee Chair Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). Shelby then informed Senate Republicans of their meeting at a luncheon, which left them hopeful that the President was ready to support something that would give him more money for fencing – even if it was not the $ 5.7 billion that he was looking for, said a participant. 19659004] "He will consider any reasonable proposal … there is general openness," said Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a vulnerable GOP senator who stayed with Trump during the politically debilitating 35-day shutdown. Hold his campaign promise and there must be serious progress. It's not like he was going to acquiesce. But I believe that he is showing good faith. "

"They did not want it intentionally. set a firm number, "said Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the conference committee. "And I think it's to show their willingness to negotiate, so that's fine."

Although the White House worked to prepare an emergency statement citing the executive powers of the president, several West Wing advisers warned that invoking this decision would alienate some Conservatives who were otherwise loyal to the White House. Legislators and right-wing activists have been key allies of the president in judicial appointments, and have pointed out that an urgent declaration could set a precedent for a future democratic president to take major measures. against climate change or armed violence.

Trump has stopped thinking so much about a national emergency, both in public and in private. When asked if the President had given him orders or an ultimatum regarding a unilateral decision, Shelby replied that this had not happened.

"He did not say that. The meeting was very positive, "said Shelby, a radiant young woman. "He's a bit open and flexible."

Another close ally, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Was scheduled to meet with the president on Thursday. He said the president seemed to give the negotiators the space they needed to reach an agreement: "Up to now, everything is fine."

Republicans warned the White House against any attempt to test the President's urgent authority.

Senator Mike Lee, who was interviewed by Trump for a vacancy on the Supreme Court, contacted White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney at the end of December to make him part of his concerns about the use of enforcement powers in case of emergency to fund a border wall project. according to two sources close to the exchange.

"Lee said," I am really worried about this. Did the lawyers of the Ministry of Justice entrust you with the task? "A person familiar with the conversation."

Leading Conservative publications from the National Review to the Wall Street Journal's editorial board also opposed this initiative, warning the latest bad precedent that the Conservatives who believe in the separation of powers might regret it. "

Trump could also lose a vote in the Senate if he acted on an emergency declaration. Only four Republicans should oppose him for a resolution of disapproval to be passed – an embarrassing result that would require him to grant his first veto.

"I'd like both to find a way to declare victory on either side," said Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). "I'm tired of talking about all this … not stopping, that's my position."

Meanwhile, the White House leader and the leader of the majority at Senate, Mitch McConnell, have indicated that they are opposed to signing a new short-term spending bill. allow negotiations to extend beyond next Friday. And because of the new House rules passed by Democrats that require a major review of legislation for three days, it is officially time for Congress to collapse.

"We really have until Sunday to table the documents. They will have to agree in the next 24 to 48 hours for an agreement, "said Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), The Party Whip. "I do not like to raise expectations, but more and more hope exists."

This makes it all the more likely that Trump will be forced to choose between two undesirable options: a bipartisan agreement proposed by legislators, or executive action that does not correspond to an emergency declaration. For weeks, the White House Council Office has been considering a more modest executive order, which Mr. Mulvaney has called "the legal executive". Both choices are likely to produce far less money than what the president was asking for a border wall. 19659027] Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi ” data-size=”promo_xsmall_rectangle”/>