The Administration doubles down on the Trump Shutdown, dismissing concerns about 800,000 unpaid Federal Government workers by declaring that they can get loans and free food from grocery stores.
On Day 34 of the record-setting closure of nine Government agencies — caused by Donald Trump’s ultimatum for $5.7 billion for his $25 billion Wall with Mexico — Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who says he is worth $2.9 billion, pronounced “I don’t really quite understand” why the employees might have to go to fund banks after missing their second paycheck on Friday.
“There’s no real reason why they shouldn’t be able to get a loan against [unpaid wages],” Ross asserted.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the remarks were “appalling” and evidence of the Administration’s “callous indifference”. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi combined a reference to the French Revolution to Donald Trump’s support from his father — reportedly $431 million — to maintain himself in business:
Is this the “let them eat cake” attitude or call your father for money?
But far from pulling back Ross’s proclamation, Trump played it down, telling reporters that the employees can go to supermarkets and get handouts.
And Trump’s top economic advisor Larry Kudlow said the shutdown — which has also threatened federal operations such as the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, airport security and safety, farm subsidies, prisons, the Coast Guard, and hurricane safety — is “just a glitch”.
He pondered, “Am I out of touch? I don’t think I’m out of touch. I’m addressing the problem.”
Kudlow maintained that about 400,000 employees, ordered to work without pay, are “volunteers” who “believe in” Trump.
Last month, chief White House economist Kevin Hassett did not appear to understand the Government’s schedule of paychecks every two weeks: “I’m sure there’s someone who can tell you when the next government payday is. It shows how carefully I watch my checking account.”
Trump has declared that most federal workers are happy to go without pay for the sake of his Wall, and earlier this week his daughter-in-law Lara said the shutdown is “a little bit of pain, but it’s going to be for the future of our country”.
GOP Senators Block End to Shutdown
Republican senators blocked another measure to end the shutdown — the 10th put forward by the Democrat-controlled House — as rival bills fail to advance in the upper chamber on Thursday.
Six GOP senators crossed the aisle to support the reopening of the Government while negotiations continue on funding for border security. But the resolution only passed 52-47, short of the 60 votes needed for further consideration.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced a proposal, based on Trump’s speech on Saturday, for the $5.7 billion for the Wall. In return, there would be limited restoration of some immigrant protections which Trump tried to remove last year, only for courts to block the attempt.
EA on TRT World, CNN, and talkRADIO: Trump’s Speech, The Wall, and Trump Shutdown
The measure was voted down 50-47. Only one Democrat, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, sided with the Republicans. Two GOP senators objected because they oppose even limited restoration of immigrant protections.
Although McConnell held enough Republicans together to stymie the attempt to reopen the Government, there were signs of a GOP split. Before the votes with the six Senators joining the Democrats, GOP legislators challenged Vice President Mike Pence at a lunch in McConnell’s office.
Some Republicans — including Trump ally Lindsey Graham — are now talking of a three-week reopening of the Government, working with Democrats on the measure.
But the effort immediately ran into White House opposition yesterday, with Trump maintaining an “installment” had to be paid on The Wall in return for a 21-day funding of Government agencies.
