GREENSBORO, N.C. — After more than a month, the government will reopen but ending the shutdown only temporarily.
President Trump announced on Friday he’ll back a move to reopen the government for a few weeks, so workers can get paid while the debate over border security continues.
North Carolina lawmakers are responding to the president’s decision.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued the following statement:
“Today’s agreement finally ends President Trump’s unnecessary shutdown and alleviates anxiety for thousands of working families in North Carolina, and for all who rely on the federal government to inspect our food, ensure safe travel, test water samples and more. I urge leaders in Washington to work together on a responsible, permanent solution to keep the country running.”
Congresswoman Alma Adams released the following statement:
“The President gave a campaign stump speech in the Rose Garden to accept the same budget agreement that Democrats put forth more than 35 days ago and have since voted on 10 times,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Trump shutdown our government as a political stunt to fuel hate and division. My heart hurts for the hundreds of thousands of people all across the nation whose suffering has been treated as a bargaining chip. I regret that our President failed to show any compassion, nor did he apologize for the hurt that he has caused. Congress will go to work immediately to ensure that those impacted receive their full pay and earned compensation.”
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued the following statement:
“The end of the partial government shutdown provides much-needed relief to federal workers who have demonstrated tremendous dedication to the country throughout this political stalemate.
“It is vital that we do not end up in the same spot three weeks from now, which will require all sides to demonstrate a willingness to take heat from both the far-left and far-right and find common ground. From my many discussions with my Democratic colleagues over the last several weeks, it’s clear that a bipartisan deal is within reach that would secure our borders and make much-needed reforms to our nation’s broken immigration system. The big question is whether Democratic leaders, including Speaker Pelosi, are paying lip service about border security and immigration reform or whether they’re actually serious about their promise to work on a compromise. We’ll soon find out.”
Rep. Foxx issued the following statement:
“Today’s agreement temporarily ends the unfortunate partial government shutdown, but it is not the end of negotiations to keep the government open permanently and protect our national security. My hope is that Democrats will set aside politics and follow through on their pledge to discuss real solutions after re-opening the government. The conference committee being formed to determine funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security provides Congress an opportunity to negotiate bipartisan approval of the funding necessary to secure our southern border. Congress should follow its own example from the bipartisan passage of the Secure Fence Act of 2006 mandating a physical barrier. I remain committed to exploring every possible tool available to protect our border, and I am very pleased that those who have been so negatively impacted by this partial shutdown will see their services and paychecks restored. Now, Congress must fulfil its number one duty to bolster national security by passing Homeland Security appropriations that strengthen and secure our porous southern border.”