Longest Government Shutdown Coming to a Close

On Friday, January 18th President Donald Trump signed a bill to reopen the government after the longest government shutdown in American history. Lasting for 35 days, it began on December 22nd of 2018, and continued into the New Year. “I am very proud to announce today, that we have reached a deal, to end the shutdown, and reopen the federal government,” Donald Trump remarked.

Government shutdowns occur when the federal budget isn’t approved. This causes non-crucial government agencies to close, but force essential workers to continue working without pay. The agencies that continue to stay open, do so to protect public health and safety. Some agencies that continue functioning during shutdowns are the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Employees continue working without receiving their paychecks.  

Donald Trump shut down the government after House Democrats refused to meet the $5.7 billion he was requesting for the US-Mexico border wall he promised during his presidential campaign. Trump was offered between $1.3-$1.6 billion for border security, but not to fund a wall.

The recent bill was signed by Trump on Friday night, to temporarily reopen the government through to February 15th. This ensures that federal workers will start getting paid, and any closed agencies will reopen. This bill also creates a congressional committee that will negotiate an agreement on the topic of funding for border security and the border wall.

Trump gave a speech from Rose Garden, announcing the reopening of the government. He spoke about needing a wall and addressed the issues he has with the current border security. At the end of this speech he stated, “If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shut down on February 15th, again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency.”