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US government shutdown 'all but certain' as House adjourns – live updates US government shutdown 'all but certain' as Congress adjourns – live updates
(35 minutes later)
When the partial shutdown goes into effect in roughly three hours, it will apparently be the first time in four decades that it has been closed three times in one year.When the partial shutdown goes into effect in roughly three hours, it will apparently be the first time in four decades that it has been closed three times in one year.
Breaking: The government will partially shut down at midnight tonight, the first time in 40 years it have been closed three times in a year.Breaking: The government will partially shut down at midnight tonight, the first time in 40 years it have been closed three times in a year.
AP has published a review of recent shutdowns in the US.AP has published a review of recent shutdowns in the US.
Here’s what you need to know about the looming government shutdown and other major political news on this busy Friday before the holidays:Here’s what you need to know about the looming government shutdown and other major political news on this busy Friday before the holidays:
A government shutdown is all but certain to begin at midnight in a few hours after the House adjourned without reaching a funding agreement.A government shutdown is all but certain to begin at midnight in a few hours after the House adjourned without reaching a funding agreement.
The shutdown stems from Donald Trump’s demands for funding for his proposed border wall.The shutdown stems from Donald Trump’s demands for funding for his proposed border wall.
The shutdown means roughly 800,000 federal employees will stop getting paid, and about 380,000 of them would stop working, according to a Senate committee report.The shutdown means roughly 800,000 federal employees will stop getting paid, and about 380,000 of them would stop working, according to a Senate committee report.
“Essential” employees who will continue working without pay include Transportation Security Administration screeners, prison guards, FBI agents and border patrol agents.“Essential” employees who will continue working without pay include Transportation Security Administration screeners, prison guards, FBI agents and border patrol agents.
There could be chaos at national parks during the holidays as a result of the shutdown.There could be chaos at national parks during the holidays as a result of the shutdown.
Trump, who previously said he would be “proud” to shut down the government, tried to blame the Democrats.Trump, who previously said he would be “proud” to shut down the government, tried to blame the Democrats.
The House is expected to reconvene at noon on Saturday.The House is expected to reconvene at noon on Saturday.
Wall Street stocks fell in volatile trading on Friday, with the Nasdaq, Dow and S&P 500 on pace for their worst month since 2009.Wall Street stocks fell in volatile trading on Friday, with the Nasdaq, Dow and S&P 500 on pace for their worst month since 2009.
The supreme court on Friday also rejected the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce a ban on asylum for immigrants crossing the US-Mexico border outside of official crossings.The supreme court on Friday also rejected the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce a ban on asylum for immigrants crossing the US-Mexico border outside of official crossings.
US supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery on her lung to remove cancerous growths.US supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery on her lung to remove cancerous growths.
Trump signed into law the First Step Act, a prison and sentencing reform bill with strong bipartisan support.Trump signed into law the First Step Act, a prison and sentencing reform bill with strong bipartisan support.
A US intelligence report released Friday said that Russia, China and Iran “conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns” targeting recent US elections.A US intelligence report released Friday said that Russia, China and Iran “conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns” targeting recent US elections.
Incoming White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney once called Trump’s views on a border wall “simplistic” and “absurd and almost childish,” according to a 2015 interview unearthed by CNN.Incoming White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney once called Trump’s views on a border wall “simplistic” and “absurd and almost childish,” according to a 2015 interview unearthed by CNN.
With the shutdown now just four hours away, a reminder of Trump’s earlier comments taking ownership of it:With the shutdown now just four hours away, a reminder of Trump’s earlier comments taking ownership of it:
I am proud to shut down the government for border security ...because the people of this country don’t want criminals and people that have lots of problems and drugs pouring into our country. So I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it.”I am proud to shut down the government for border security ...because the people of this country don’t want criminals and people that have lots of problems and drugs pouring into our country. So I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it.”
At midnight, a “partial” shutdown is expected to go into effect. Here’s what that means:At midnight, a “partial” shutdown is expected to go into effect. Here’s what that means:
The threatened shutdown is partial because 75% of government funding has already been approved for the budget year that started in October. That includes money for the military, which would be unaffected by a shutdown. It’s the other 25% of government spending that’s at issue, but a shutdown could cut off spending for nine of the 15 cabinet-level federal departments, including Homeland Security, Justice, Transportation, Interior, Agriculture and State.The threatened shutdown is partial because 75% of government funding has already been approved for the budget year that started in October. That includes money for the military, which would be unaffected by a shutdown. It’s the other 25% of government spending that’s at issue, but a shutdown could cut off spending for nine of the 15 cabinet-level federal departments, including Homeland Security, Justice, Transportation, Interior, Agriculture and State.
It is now virtually guaranteed that the shutdown will begin at midnight tonight. Meanwhile, here’s the latest tweet from Trump’s account, which takes a very different tone from his comments the rest of the day:It is now virtually guaranteed that the shutdown will begin at midnight tonight. Meanwhile, here’s the latest tweet from Trump’s account, which takes a very different tone from his comments the rest of the day:
Wishing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg a full and speedy recovery!Wishing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg a full and speedy recovery!
The latest from AP:The latest from AP:
The House has adjourned without a deal on spending, virtually guaranteeing a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday.The House has adjourned without a deal on spending, virtually guaranteeing a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday.
Senators are also being told there will be no further votes Friday as talks continue.Senators are also being told there will be no further votes Friday as talks continue.
President Donald Trump’s team was on Capitol Hill late Friday trying to broker a compromise as he pushes for billions of dollars in border wall funding.President Donald Trump’s team was on Capitol Hill late Friday trying to broker a compromise as he pushes for billions of dollars in border wall funding.
Without a deal, funding for parts of the government will expire at midnight.Without a deal, funding for parts of the government will expire at midnight.
The House has officially adjourned, meaning the shutdown in a few hours is all but certain, Reuters is reporting. That means funding is expected to end for parts of the federal government at midnight.The House has officially adjourned, meaning the shutdown in a few hours is all but certain, Reuters is reporting. That means funding is expected to end for parts of the federal government at midnight.
It appears that the Senate won’t be holding any more votes tonight, either:It appears that the Senate won’t be holding any more votes tonight, either:
Two Dem senators tell me they’ve been told no more votes tonight, and that they will get 24 hours notice before the next vote in the Senate. So that’s it. Shutdown.Two Dem senators tell me they’ve been told no more votes tonight, and that they will get 24 hours notice before the next vote in the Senate. So that’s it. Shutdown.
The Senate carryout is closing for the night so that’s it !The Senate carryout is closing for the night so that’s it !
The shutdown appears increasingly likely:The shutdown appears increasingly likely:
Senators being told to head home for the night, and that they won't be called back unless there's an honest-to-goodness deal... and with 24 hour notice.That means a partial government shutdown tonight.Senators being told to head home for the night, and that they won't be called back unless there's an honest-to-goodness deal... and with 24 hour notice.That means a partial government shutdown tonight.
Many House people also heading home https://t.co/3NMvyCKNYJMany House people also heading home https://t.co/3NMvyCKNYJ
Unclear how many reporters have taken this advice...Unclear how many reporters have taken this advice...
. @SenBobCorker advises reporters to go home and have a scotch.. @SenBobCorker advises reporters to go home and have a scotch.
Trump has tweeted a photo of himself reportedly signing “many Bills” in the Oval Office. He has also complained about the Democrats and his “cancelled” trip to Florida.Trump has tweeted a photo of himself reportedly signing “many Bills” in the Oval Office. He has also complained about the Democrats and his “cancelled” trip to Florida.
Some of the many Bills that I am signing in the Oval Office right now. Cancelled my trip on Air Force One to Florida while we wait to see if the Democrats will help us to protect America’s Southern Border! pic.twitter.com/ws6LYhKcKlSome of the many Bills that I am signing in the Oval Office right now. Cancelled my trip on Air Force One to Florida while we wait to see if the Democrats will help us to protect America’s Southern Border! pic.twitter.com/ws6LYhKcKl
It’s possible he could still travel to Mar-a-Lago this weekend:It’s possible he could still travel to Mar-a-Lago this weekend:
NEW w/ @elianayjohnson: WH staff got an email today informing them to be ready for a noon Mar-a-Lago departure tomorrow, though the schedule is very tentative and is likely to shift.https://t.co/oT0h7vltJq https://t.co/f82vM0PqOqNEW w/ @elianayjohnson: WH staff got an email today informing them to be ready for a noon Mar-a-Lago departure tomorrow, though the schedule is very tentative and is likely to shift.https://t.co/oT0h7vltJq https://t.co/f82vM0PqOq
It’s unclear if any ongoing negotiations between the White House and Democrats will prevent the shutdown from going into effect in a few hours.It’s unclear if any ongoing negotiations between the White House and Democrats will prevent the shutdown from going into effect in a few hours.
Help us defend the truth in 2019. Make a year-end gift to the Guardian. A note from the Guardian’s US editor, John Mulholland:Help us defend the truth in 2019. Make a year-end gift to the Guardian. A note from the Guardian’s US editor, John Mulholland:
In normal times we might not be making this appeal. But these are not normal times. Many of the values and beliefs we hold dear at The Guardian are under threat both here in the US and around the world. Facts, science, humanity, diversity and equality are being challenged daily. As is truth. Which is why we need your help.In normal times we might not be making this appeal. But these are not normal times. Many of the values and beliefs we hold dear at The Guardian are under threat both here in the US and around the world. Facts, science, humanity, diversity and equality are being challenged daily. As is truth. Which is why we need your help.
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Almost 100 years ago, in 1921, the editor of The Guardian argued that the principal role of a newspaper was accurate reporting, insisting that “facts are sacred.” We still hold that to be true. The need for a robust, independent press has never been greater, but the challenge is more intense than ever as digital disruption threatens traditional media’s business model. We pride ourselves on not having a paywall because we believe truth should not come at a price for anyone. Our journalism remains open and accessible to everyone and with your help we can keep it that way.Almost 100 years ago, in 1921, the editor of The Guardian argued that the principal role of a newspaper was accurate reporting, insisting that “facts are sacred.” We still hold that to be true. The need for a robust, independent press has never been greater, but the challenge is more intense than ever as digital disruption threatens traditional media’s business model. We pride ourselves on not having a paywall because we believe truth should not come at a price for anyone. Our journalism remains open and accessible to everyone and with your help we can keep it that way.
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported The Guardian so far. We’re aiming to raise $1 million by the new year, and we hope to pass our goal by early January 2019. Every contribution, big or small, will help us reach it.We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported The Guardian so far. We’re aiming to raise $1 million by the new year, and we hope to pass our goal by early January 2019. Every contribution, big or small, will help us reach it.
Please make a year-end gift today to show your ongoing support for our independent journalism. Thank you.Please make a year-end gift today to show your ongoing support for our independent journalism. Thank you.
Hours away from the shutdown over Trump’s demand for border wall money, the Washington Post has this helpful reminder about the lack of popularity for a wall among voters:Hours away from the shutdown over Trump’s demand for border wall money, the Washington Post has this helpful reminder about the lack of popularity for a wall among voters:
Part of the current debate over the wall is that the president exists within a universe where everything he sees and hears says this is critical. https://t.co/2fkItLx5VVPart of the current debate over the wall is that the president exists within a universe where everything he sees and hears says this is critical. https://t.co/2fkItLx5VV
A Quinnipiac University poll released this week found that more than half of Americans oppose building a wall. That opposition has narrowed over the course of Trump’s presidency, but we’re far from a point at which most (much less “all”) Americans back the proposal.A Quinnipiac University poll released this week found that more than half of Americans oppose building a wall. That opposition has narrowed over the course of Trump’s presidency, but we’re far from a point at which most (much less “all”) Americans back the proposal.
The poll clearly contradicts the White House press secretary’s claim today, saying, “It’s something that all of America wants to see happen.”The poll clearly contradicts the White House press secretary’s claim today, saying, “It’s something that all of America wants to see happen.”
As we noted earlier, CNN also reported today that incoming White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney once called Trump’s views on a border wall and immigration “simplistic”:As we noted earlier, CNN also reported today that incoming White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney once called Trump’s views on a border wall and immigration “simplistic”:
NEW from me. In a 2015 interview, incoming chief of staff Mick Mulvaney called Trump's views on the border wall "simplistic," and "absurd and almost childish." https://t.co/GpCfdLn1YyNEW from me. In a 2015 interview, incoming chief of staff Mick Mulvaney called Trump's views on the border wall "simplistic," and "absurd and almost childish." https://t.co/GpCfdLn1Yy
Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer have spoken in the Senate – not much of a significant update, but the senators are pushing for continued negotiations with the White House:Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer have spoken in the Senate – not much of a significant update, but the senators are pushing for continued negotiations with the White House:
The senators basically just agreed to continue talking and negotiating. Had they not have voted to proceed, there would have been no obvious legislative vehicle. And it would have kicked a short-term CR back to the House to consider. Jones, Flake, Corker all voted yes https://t.co/I4DTYXXESkThe senators basically just agreed to continue talking and negotiating. Had they not have voted to proceed, there would have been no obvious legislative vehicle. And it would have kicked a short-term CR back to the House to consider. Jones, Flake, Corker all voted yes https://t.co/I4DTYXXESk
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he hopes Senate Democrats can work on an "agreement that can pass both houses of congress and receive the President's signature," and that once an agreement is reached, it will receive a vote on the Senate floor pic.twitter.com/msqJRlA7dnSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he hopes Senate Democrats can work on an "agreement that can pass both houses of congress and receive the President's signature," and that once an agreement is reached, it will receive a vote on the Senate floor pic.twitter.com/msqJRlA7dn
This means the government is still heading to a shutdown at this time, and there hasn’t been any agreement on funding. If the shutdown moves forward, it’s unclear how long it could last – and that could be part of the ongoing negotiations this evening.This means the government is still heading to a shutdown at this time, and there hasn’t been any agreement on funding. If the shutdown moves forward, it’s unclear how long it could last – and that could be part of the ongoing negotiations this evening.
The AP’s summary on the latest developments and the role of the vice president:The AP’s summary on the latest developments and the role of the vice president:
Vice President Mike Pence has cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate to advance legislation to prevent a partial government shutdown and provide funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall.Vice President Mike Pence has cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate to advance legislation to prevent a partial government shutdown and provide funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall.
Pence’s vote advanced the 47-47 tally Friday after a marathon, five-hour voting session in the Senate that dragged on as senators rushed back to Washington.Pence’s vote advanced the 47-47 tally Friday after a marathon, five-hour voting session in the Senate that dragged on as senators rushed back to Washington.
The move doesn’t immediately end the threat of a partial federal shutdown at midnight Friday. But it kick-starts negotiations as Congress tries to find a resolution to Trump’s demand for the wall. Senators say they won’t vote on a final bill to fund the government until Trump and congressional leaders all agree to a deal.The move doesn’t immediately end the threat of a partial federal shutdown at midnight Friday. But it kick-starts negotiations as Congress tries to find a resolution to Trump’s demand for the wall. Senators say they won’t vote on a final bill to fund the government until Trump and congressional leaders all agree to a deal.
With a shutdown potentially six hours away, here’s a recap of what would happen if it’s not averted:With a shutdown potentially six hours away, here’s a recap of what would happen if it’s not averted:
About 800,000 federal employees would stop getting paid if a shutdown happens, according to a report prepared by Democrats on the Senate appropriations committee.About 800,000 federal employees would stop getting paid if a shutdown happens, according to a report prepared by Democrats on the Senate appropriations committee.
Of those, about 380,000 would stop working. That includes almost all of Nasa and Housing and Urban Development staff, 80% of the National Parks Service, and more than 50,000 workers at the Internal Revenue Service.Of those, about 380,000 would stop working. That includes almost all of Nasa and Housing and Urban Development staff, 80% of the National Parks Service, and more than 50,000 workers at the Internal Revenue Service.
The other 420,000 workers, considered “essential”, would still have to report to work if a shutdown occurs, but won’t get pay checks as long as the impasse continues.The other 420,000 workers, considered “essential”, would still have to report to work if a shutdown occurs, but won’t get pay checks as long as the impasse continues.
Those who would still have to work include Transportation Security Administration screeners, prison guards, FBI agents and border patrol agents.Those who would still have to work include Transportation Security Administration screeners, prison guards, FBI agents and border patrol agents.
Mail would be delivered, social security checks would go out and TSA screeners would staff airports.Mail would be delivered, social security checks would go out and TSA screeners would staff airports.
National attractions, like the Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, and Statue of Liberty would probably be closed.National attractions, like the Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, and Statue of Liberty would probably be closed.
If the shutdown went on long-term, the Federal Housing Administration may delay the approval of home loans. The USDA may shutter farm service centers. Payments to local public housing agencies could be delayed. Funding for food stamps and free school lunches could conceivably run out.If the shutdown went on long-term, the Federal Housing Administration may delay the approval of home loans. The USDA may shutter farm service centers. Payments to local public housing agencies could be delayed. Funding for food stamps and free school lunches could conceivably run out.
Federal workers would likely get paid back eventually, but it would require approval from Congress.Federal workers would likely get paid back eventually, but it would require approval from Congress.
See more here:See more here:
US government shutdown: what is it, will it happen and who's to blame?US government shutdown: what is it, will it happen and who's to blame?
“Chaos may reign for the thousands of visitors planning to take snow hikes, rock climbing trips and sightseeing visits to US national parks over the winter holidays, reports Erin McCormick from our office in San Francisco, if Donald Trump’s government shutdown goes forward at midnight on Friday.”“Chaos may reign for the thousands of visitors planning to take snow hikes, rock climbing trips and sightseeing visits to US national parks over the winter holidays, reports Erin McCormick from our office in San Francisco, if Donald Trump’s government shutdown goes forward at midnight on Friday.”
Erin continues:Erin continues:
Park conservation groups say it is likely to mirror past shutdowns – with confusion about which parks are open, closed facilities, a lack of protections for guests and wildlife, and many disappointed visitors.Park conservation groups say it is likely to mirror past shutdowns – with confusion about which parks are open, closed facilities, a lack of protections for guests and wildlife, and many disappointed visitors.
In the last brief government shutdown in January, which lasted only 48 hours, the national park service directed staff to keep the parks as accessible as possible even though thousands of park employees were ordered not to come to work. One-third of the parks shut down altogether. In others, facilities such as visitors’ centers and bathrooms were shuttered, while the few remaining staff worked without paychecks to provide basic safety services.In the last brief government shutdown in January, which lasted only 48 hours, the national park service directed staff to keep the parks as accessible as possible even though thousands of park employees were ordered not to come to work. One-third of the parks shut down altogether. In others, facilities such as visitors’ centers and bathrooms were shuttered, while the few remaining staff worked without paychecks to provide basic safety services.
During that shutdown, 21,000 park service employees were furloughed leaving just 3,298 “essential staff” to manage 80 million acres of national park lands, according to the National Parks Conservation association (NPCA).During that shutdown, 21,000 park service employees were furloughed leaving just 3,298 “essential staff” to manage 80 million acres of national park lands, according to the National Parks Conservation association (NPCA).
Erin’s report is part of the Guardian’s This Land is Your Land series, which focuses on America’s public lands and the threats posed to them by the Trump administration. You can find lots more on the subject here.Erin’s report is part of the Guardian’s This Land is Your Land series, which focuses on America’s public lands and the threats posed to them by the Trump administration. You can find lots more on the subject here.
National parks facing chaos and confused visitors as shutdown loomsNational parks facing chaos and confused visitors as shutdown looms
As the wait continues for an announcement in the Senate, the president has tweeted this “design of our Steel Slat Barrier”, which he said is “totally effective while at the same time beautiful!”:As the wait continues for an announcement in the Senate, the president has tweeted this “design of our Steel Slat Barrier”, which he said is “totally effective while at the same time beautiful!”:
A design of our Steel Slat Barrier which is totally effective while at the same time beautiful! pic.twitter.com/sGltXh0cu9A design of our Steel Slat Barrier which is totally effective while at the same time beautiful! pic.twitter.com/sGltXh0cu9
Some background from the AP about the “steel slats”:Some background from the AP about the “steel slats”:
The “big beautiful wall” has now become “steel slats.”The “big beautiful wall” has now become “steel slats.”
President Donald Trump is tweaking the words he uses to describe the barrier he’s hoping to build along the U.S.-Mexico border, in part because Democrats appear more amenable to approving money for “fencing” rather than a “wall.”President Donald Trump is tweaking the words he uses to describe the barrier he’s hoping to build along the U.S.-Mexico border, in part because Democrats appear more amenable to approving money for “fencing” rather than a “wall.”
As the budget standoff has played out, Trump has adjusted the way he refers to his long-promised wall, which was the centerpiece of his 2016 campaign...As the budget standoff has played out, Trump has adjusted the way he refers to his long-promised wall, which was the centerpiece of his 2016 campaign...
He later praised the House for “approving strong border security and the money necessary to take care of the barrier, wall or steel slats,” adding, “Whatever you want to call it, it’s all the same.”He later praised the House for “approving strong border security and the money necessary to take care of the barrier, wall or steel slats,” adding, “Whatever you want to call it, it’s all the same.”
That was a far cry from the campaign, when Trump promised to build a “big, beautiful wall” made of concrete, rebar and steel across the length of the southern border. Back then, he lashed out at the suggestion that what he was proposing had anything in common with mere fencing...That was a far cry from the campaign, when Trump promised to build a “big, beautiful wall” made of concrete, rebar and steel across the length of the southern border. Back then, he lashed out at the suggestion that what he was proposing had anything in common with mere fencing...
This vote is apparently on track to be the longest Senate vote in the modern history of the chamber:This vote is apparently on track to be the longest Senate vote in the modern history of the chamber:
If this vote stays open until at least 5:47 p.m. — it’ll be the longest Senate vote in the modern history of the chamberIf this vote stays open until at least 5:47 p.m. — it’ll be the longest Senate vote in the modern history of the chamber
The director of national intelligence has just announced its report on foreign interference in the election:The director of national intelligence has just announced its report on foreign interference in the election:
At this time, the Intelligence Community does not have intelligence reporting that indicates any compromise of our nation’s election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts, or disrupted the ability to tally votes. The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election. Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests.At this time, the Intelligence Community does not have intelligence reporting that indicates any compromise of our nation’s election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts, or disrupted the ability to tally votes. The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election. Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests.
The announcement said the office did not make an assessment of the impact these activities had on the 2018 election outcome.The announcement said the office did not make an assessment of the impact these activities had on the 2018 election outcome.
U.S. intelligence found "Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States" around the 2018 elections. Per announcement from ODNI at 4:55 p.m. the Friday before a holiday weekend. pic.twitter.com/onbDbplz8KU.S. intelligence found "Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States" around the 2018 elections. Per announcement from ODNI at 4:55 p.m. the Friday before a holiday weekend. pic.twitter.com/onbDbplz8K
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and minority leader, Chuck Schumer, may come forward soon to talk about some kind of possible agreement:Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and minority leader, Chuck Schumer, may come forward soon to talk about some kind of possible agreement:
Corker says McConnell and Schumer about to come to floor to discuss a “process” to potentially avoid a shutdown. He just left McConnell’s office.He made it very clear that this is not an agreement about funding levels. But it will be a discussion to “chart the course forward”Corker says McConnell and Schumer about to come to floor to discuss a “process” to potentially avoid a shutdown. He just left McConnell’s office.He made it very clear that this is not an agreement about funding levels. But it will be a discussion to “chart the course forward”
It’s unclear if the president has changed his position:It’s unclear if the president has changed his position:
Just asked Lisa Murkowski about the WH meeting and whether Trump dug in on wall funding. “He’s very insistent on border security.”Just asked Lisa Murkowski about the WH meeting and whether Trump dug in on wall funding. “He’s very insistent on border security.”
Sam Levin here, taking over our live coverage as we are roughly seven hours away from a possible shutdown. The president has canceled his planned Mar-a-Lago trip, but the first lady is continuing on with her holiday plans:Sam Levin here, taking over our live coverage as we are roughly seven hours away from a possible shutdown. The president has canceled his planned Mar-a-Lago trip, but the first lady is continuing on with her holiday plans:
New - While POTUS hangs back for now, FLOTUS will go to Mar-a-Lago: "It has long been the family’s tradition to spend their Christmas holiday at Mar-a-Lago. Her plans to travel with her son to their Florida home for his winter break have not changed this year." - @StephGrisham45New - While POTUS hangs back for now, FLOTUS will go to Mar-a-Lago: "It has long been the family’s tradition to spend their Christmas holiday at Mar-a-Lago. Her plans to travel with her son to their Florida home for his winter break have not changed this year." - @StephGrisham45
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are expected to stay with the president:Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are expected to stay with the president:
AND: Jared Kushner & Ivanka Trump are planning to stay with the president. They're preparing to go down to Florida if/when he goes, according to an admin official. https://t.co/l2oDMoNBWgAND: Jared Kushner & Ivanka Trump are planning to stay with the president. They're preparing to go down to Florida if/when he goes, according to an admin official. https://t.co/l2oDMoNBWg
The Guardian’s art critic, Jonathan Jones, has cast his eye over Donald and Melania Trump’s official Christmas portrait. It’s not that he’s not impressed, as such, as that his main impression is one of, well, fear.The Guardian’s art critic, Jonathan Jones, has cast his eye over Donald and Melania Trump’s official Christmas portrait. It’s not that he’s not impressed, as such, as that his main impression is one of, well, fear.
“Can it be that hard,” Jonathan asks, “to create a cosy image of the presidential couple, perhaps in front of a roaring hearth, maybe in seasonal knitwear?“Can it be that hard,” Jonathan asks, “to create a cosy image of the presidential couple, perhaps in front of a roaring hearth, maybe in seasonal knitwear?
Evidently it can, for Jonathan continues:Evidently it can, for Jonathan continues:
Or is this quasi-dictatorial image exactly what the president wants to project? Look on my Christmas trees, ye mighty, and despair! If so, it fuels suspicions that it is only the checks and balances of a 230-year-old constitution that are keeping America from the darkest of political fates.Or is this quasi-dictatorial image exactly what the president wants to project? Look on my Christmas trees, ye mighty, and despair! If so, it fuels suspicions that it is only the checks and balances of a 230-year-old constitution that are keeping America from the darkest of political fates.
Of the White House Christmas trees, meanwhile, Jonathan writes:Of the White House Christmas trees, meanwhile, Jonathan writes:
Instead of a homely symbol of midwinter cheer, these disciplined arboreal ranks with their uniform decorations are arrayed like massed soldiers or colossal columns designed by Albert Speer.Instead of a homely symbol of midwinter cheer, these disciplined arboreal ranks with their uniform decorations are arrayed like massed soldiers or colossal columns designed by Albert Speer.
And there’s more. Short version: “Yikes.”And there’s more. Short version: “Yikes.”