President Trump is announced Friday he'll back a move to reopen the government for a few weeks, so government workers can get paid while the debate over border security continues.
"I am very pleased to announce that we have reached a deal to end the shutdown and open the federal government," Mr. Trump said, adding that he had the opportunity to declare a national emergency to build the wall but decided not to do so at this time. Mr. Trump also thanked the federal workers who had been furloughed or working without pay.
"In many cases you encouraged me to keep going because you care so much about our country and our border security," he said to federal workers. He said federal workers would receive back pay "very quickly," or "almost immediately."
CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett reported that Mr. Trump is expected to back a continuing resolution (CR) -- which would fund the government at current levels.
CBS News' Rebecca Kaplan reported that leaders are zeroing in on an agreement that includes a short-term CR to Feb. 15, and a vehicle to go to conference on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill. No money for a border wall would be included in this deal. The seven-bill CR will also include a furloughed employees backpay provision.
The government shutdown has reached its 35th day, the longest in American history. Around 800,000 federal workers missed their second paycheck this week, with roughly half of them working without pay. Several workers in critical agencies have been calling out sick due to financial difficulties.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WFMY News 2 App: Apple Users, Android Users
