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Trump walks out of shutdown meeting with top Democrats, calling it 'total waste of time' – live Trump walks out of shutdown meeting with top Democrats, calling it 'total waste of time' – live
(35 minutes later)
Some Democrats have also pushed a measure today that would prohibit creditors and landlords from taking actions against federal workers hurt by the shutdown:
Today we are introducing a bill to prohibit creditors and landlords from taking action against any federal employee or contractor hurt by the Trump shutdown. It’s the least we can do. Would be great to have a few Republican cosponsors.
Legislation could potentially protect employees from foreclosures, evictions and loan defaults:
Our public servants & their families shouldn’t be threatened w/ being thrown out of their homes because of the President's manufactured crisis. Cosponsored @brianschatz's bill to protect Nevada federal workers from foreclosures, evictions & loan defaults during a gov't shutdown. https://t.co/wNHl618ehY
Trump last week encouraged landlords to be “be nice and easy” to tenants hurt by the shutdown and struggling to pay rent.
The White House is reportedly discussing a scenario to reopen the government that would involve Trump declaring a national emergency, the courts intervening, and Congress and the president ending the shutdown while the case is going through litigation, according to the Wall Street Journal:
White House officials discussing a potential exit ramp in the shutdown fight: Trump declares national emergency; courts intervene and stay the order; he and Congress re-open the gov't while case is litigated. https://t.co/e1wrN0Tii9
It’s unclear if the president is interested in this option:
Been discussing this off-ramp awhile. POTUS has been pulled in a few different directions, including by conservative supporters who don’t think this is a good way to go. https://t.co/QaX9Qcfe00
The federal government has halted some routine food inspections due to the shutdown. The AP has some details on the impact on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):The federal government has halted some routine food inspections due to the shutdown. The AP has some details on the impact on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
The US government isn’t doing routine food inspections because of the partial federal shutdown, but checks of the riskiest foods are expected to resume next week.The US government isn’t doing routine food inspections because of the partial federal shutdown, but checks of the riskiest foods are expected to resume next week.
The Food and Drug Administration says it’s working to bring back about 150 employees to inspect riskier foods such as cheese, infant formula and produce. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency can’t make the case that “a routine inspection of a Nabisco cracker facility” is necessary during the shutdown, however.The Food and Drug Administration says it’s working to bring back about 150 employees to inspect riskier foods such as cheese, infant formula and produce. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency can’t make the case that “a routine inspection of a Nabisco cracker facility” is necessary during the shutdown, however.
The FDA conducts about 8,400 inspections a year, or an average of 160 a week. Gottlieb said riskier foods account for about a third of the food covered by the agency’s domestic inspections.The FDA conducts about 8,400 inspections a year, or an average of 160 a week. Gottlieb said riskier foods account for about a third of the food covered by the agency’s domestic inspections.
Some more information here:Some more information here:
There’s discussion today that we've “stopped” high risk food surveillance inspections. Fact: We’re working to continue those inspections. It's true in 2013 shutdown, those inspections were stopped. We’ve taken a different posture based on sound public health and legal rationale.There’s discussion today that we've “stopped” high risk food surveillance inspections. Fact: We’re working to continue those inspections. It's true in 2013 shutdown, those inspections were stopped. We’ve taken a different posture based on sound public health and legal rationale.
The shutdown has had a severe impact on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with cuts that could put Americans’ health at risk moving forward. Guardian environment reporter Oliver Milman reports:The shutdown has had a severe impact on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with cuts that could put Americans’ health at risk moving forward. Guardian environment reporter Oliver Milman reports:
More than 13,000 employees at the EPA are not at work, with just 794 people deemed essential staff currently undertaking the agency’s duties.More than 13,000 employees at the EPA are not at work, with just 794 people deemed essential staff currently undertaking the agency’s duties.
Routine activities such as checks on regulated businesses, clean-ups of toxic superfund sites and the pursuit of criminal polluters have been paused since 28 December.Routine activities such as checks on regulated businesses, clean-ups of toxic superfund sites and the pursuit of criminal polluters have been paused since 28 December.
Disaster relief payments to people harmed by hurricanes Michael and Florence have been delayed.Disaster relief payments to people harmed by hurricanes Michael and Florence have been delayed.
Preparations to battle wildfires in Alaska have been hampered.Preparations to battle wildfires in Alaska have been hampered.
Testing to ensure toxic chemicals aren’t leaking into the lower Cape Fear river in North Carolina has been halted.Testing to ensure toxic chemicals aren’t leaking into the lower Cape Fear river in North Carolina has been halted.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami have suspended work on predicting the next storm season, in the wake of a punishing series of hurricanes in 2018.Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami have suspended work on predicting the next storm season, in the wake of a punishing series of hurricanes in 2018.
Read more here:Read more here:
'It's a nightmare': Americans' health at risk as shutdown slashes EPA'It's a nightmare': Americans' health at risk as shutdown slashes EPA
An estimated 35.3 million people watched Trump speak live on Tuesday night in his televised address that used falsehoods and misleading statistics to claim there was a crisis at the US-Mexico border.An estimated 35.3 million people watched Trump speak live on Tuesday night in his televised address that used falsehoods and misleading statistics to claim there was a crisis at the US-Mexico border.
Here are some stats on viewers from Nielsen, via the AP:Here are some stats on viewers from Nielsen, via the AP:
Fox News Channel with 8.044 million viewers and CBS with 8.043 million were in a virtual dead heat as the top destination. NBC was third with 7 million, followed by ABC, MSNBC, CNN and Fox broadcasting.Fox News Channel with 8.044 million viewers and CBS with 8.043 million were in a virtual dead heat as the top destination. NBC was third with 7 million, followed by ABC, MSNBC, CNN and Fox broadcasting.
The total, which came from 11 separate networks that decided to air the speech live, was about 10m fewer viewers than Trump had for his 2018 State of the Union address.The total, which came from 11 separate networks that decided to air the speech live, was about 10m fewer viewers than Trump had for his 2018 State of the Union address.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is facing some backlash for a joke he made about the #MeToo movement while telling reporters to move back earlier today:New York governor Andrew Cuomo is facing some backlash for a joke he made about the #MeToo movement while telling reporters to move back earlier today:
Andrew Cuomo just had a semi-impromptu gaggle with reporters.It started with an aide asking us to move back a few steps to give him room.“I’ll bring you all up on charges under the Me Too movement,” Cuomo said. pic.twitter.com/fLe5ddnIyJAndrew Cuomo just had a semi-impromptu gaggle with reporters.It started with an aide asking us to move back a few steps to give him room.“I’ll bring you all up on charges under the Me Too movement,” Cuomo said. pic.twitter.com/fLe5ddnIyJ
Trump has repeatedly mocked the #MeToo movement, and so have some Democrats:Trump has repeatedly mocked the #MeToo movement, and so have some Democrats:
Trump has made plenty of jokes about the #metoo movement on the campaign trail, but so have Dem politicians. See Cuomo below, and also this awkward John Kerry exchange from November: https://t.co/TPwpN3vXcq https://t.co/AQC8mOGBKtTrump has made plenty of jokes about the #metoo movement on the campaign trail, but so have Dem politicians. See Cuomo below, and also this awkward John Kerry exchange from November: https://t.co/TPwpN3vXcq https://t.co/AQC8mOGBKt
Electeds, please take note: our trauma is not a joke. Our calls for a safe working environment are not funny. Making a mockery of the #MeToo movement won’t score you points. We want allies in office who will change the culture, not comedians who laugh at our expense. https://t.co/Kaa5vdia0yElecteds, please take note: our trauma is not a joke. Our calls for a safe working environment are not funny. Making a mockery of the #MeToo movement won’t score you points. We want allies in office who will change the culture, not comedians who laugh at our expense. https://t.co/Kaa5vdia0y
Here’s what we know about the Situation Room meeting Trump called a “waste of time”.Here’s what we know about the Situation Room meeting Trump called a “waste of time”.
There was candy. Butterfingers, Babe Ruth’s, M&Ms and possibly skittles. It resolved nothing.There was candy. Butterfingers, Babe Ruth’s, M&Ms and possibly skittles. It resolved nothing.
The Democratic leaders tried to humanize the shutdown by talking about its impacts, according to a congressional aide.The Democratic leaders tried to humanize the shutdown by talking about its impacts, according to a congressional aide.
They emphasized that Democrats do want borders security – but that a wall wouldn’t stop the flow of drugs or illegal border crossings.They emphasized that Democrats do want borders security – but that a wall wouldn’t stop the flow of drugs or illegal border crossings.
Trump, according to the aide, talked about “thousands” storming the border and claimed without evidence that large numbers of women being trafficked over the border “with tape over their mouths”.Trump, according to the aide, talked about “thousands” storming the border and claimed without evidence that large numbers of women being trafficked over the border “with tape over their mouths”.
Per a congressional aide familiar with the meeting, Trump talked about a large numbers of women being trafficked over the border with tape over their mouths. Unclear of the evidence supporting that claim.Per a congressional aide familiar with the meeting, Trump talked about a large numbers of women being trafficked over the border with tape over their mouths. Unclear of the evidence supporting that claim.
At one point during the discussion, the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said: “You are using people as leverage. Why won’t you open the government and stop hurting people?At one point during the discussion, the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said: “You are using people as leverage. Why won’t you open the government and stop hurting people?
According to the aide, Trump replied: “Because then you won’t give me what I want.”According to the aide, Trump replied: “Because then you won’t give me what I want.”
Trump then asked Pelosi if he “quickly” re-opened the government would she support a wall in 30 days. The speaker said she would not.Trump then asked Pelosi if he “quickly” re-opened the government would she support a wall in 30 days. The speaker said she would not.
“What’s the point?” Trump responded. In a disputed account, he slammed his hands on table. But all agreed that it ended with him saying: “Bye bye”“What’s the point?” Trump responded. In a disputed account, he slammed his hands on table. But all agreed that it ended with him saying: “Bye bye”
US Coast Guard employees impacted by the government shutdown were given tips on how to make up for lost wages: consider babysitting, dog-walking or holding a garage sale, according to a new report in the Washington Post.US Coast Guard employees impacted by the government shutdown were given tips on how to make up for lost wages: consider babysitting, dog-walking or holding a garage sale, according to a new report in the Washington Post.
Those suggestions apparently came in a five-page tip sheet that also said: “Bankruptcy is a last option.”Those suggestions apparently came in a five-page tip sheet that also said: “Bankruptcy is a last option.”
US govt to Coast Guard: While you're working without pay, why not sell your possessions for a little extra cash? https://t.co/4jptOssLwQUS govt to Coast Guard: While you're working without pay, why not sell your possessions for a little extra cash? https://t.co/4jptOssLwQ
The Coast Guard gets funding from homeland security and currently has roughly 6,400 employees on indefinite furlough, along with 2,100 working without pay, the paper reported.The Coast Guard gets funding from homeland security and currently has roughly 6,400 employees on indefinite furlough, along with 2,100 working without pay, the paper reported.
A spokesperson told the Post that the suggestions in the tip sheet did not “reflect the Coast Guard’s current efforts to support our workforce during this lapse in appropriations”, and that the “guidance” had now been removed from its website.A spokesperson told the Post that the suggestions in the tip sheet did not “reflect the Coast Guard’s current efforts to support our workforce during this lapse in appropriations”, and that the “guidance” had now been removed from its website.
Sam Levin here, taking over our live coverage of the government shutdown as negotiations have once again failed. A quick summary of key highlights from the day:Sam Levin here, taking over our live coverage of the government shutdown as negotiations have once again failed. A quick summary of key highlights from the day:
Donald Trump abruptly ended a meeting with Democratic leaders, calling it a “total waste of time”.Donald Trump abruptly ended a meeting with Democratic leaders, calling it a “total waste of time”.
The president met with Senate Republicans in a closed-door meeting earlier, urging them to “stick together”.The president met with Senate Republicans in a closed-door meeting earlier, urging them to “stick together”.
Some Republicans have said they would support reopening the government without wall funding, but Trump has claimed the GOP is “unified”.Some Republicans have said they would support reopening the government without wall funding, but Trump has claimed the GOP is “unified”.
Trump also claimed he has the “absolute right” to declare an emergency, saying the “threshold” for the declaration is if he can’t broker a deal with Congress.Trump also claimed he has the “absolute right” to declare an emergency, saying the “threshold” for the declaration is if he can’t broker a deal with Congress.
House Democrats are planning to start passing individual spending bills that would reopen closed departments in hopes of ratcheting up pressure on Republicans.House Democrats are planning to start passing individual spending bills that would reopen closed departments in hopes of ratcheting up pressure on Republicans.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said the the president was using federal workers as “hostages through a temper tantrum”.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said the the president was using federal workers as “hostages through a temper tantrum”.
News broke that deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein is expected to step down.News broke that deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein is expected to step down.
Billionaire Tom Steyer announced he would not be running for president, but that he plans to spend at least $40m on impeachment efforts.Billionaire Tom Steyer announced he would not be running for president, but that he plans to spend at least $40m on impeachment efforts.
The House just voted to pass the individual Financial Services appropriations bill as part of effort by Democrats to pass government funding bills for each aspect of government in hopes of forcing a Senate vote. Only 8 Republicans joined with all Democrats in voting to fund this aspect of the government.The House just voted to pass the individual Financial Services appropriations bill as part of effort by Democrats to pass government funding bills for each aspect of government in hopes of forcing a Senate vote. Only 8 Republicans joined with all Democrats in voting to fund this aspect of the government.
The House has voted to approve the individual Financial Services Appropriations bill to re-open that section of the government. The vote was 240 to 188 All Democrats voted aye. They were joined by 8 Republicans who voted yesThe House has voted to approve the individual Financial Services Appropriations bill to re-open that section of the government. The vote was 240 to 188 All Democrats voted aye. They were joined by 8 Republicans who voted yes
There is a new report that Rod Rosenstein will not leave the administration until special counsel Robert Mueller has finished his work rather than after Bill Barr is confirmed to be attorney general.There is a new report that Rod Rosenstein will not leave the administration until special counsel Robert Mueller has finished his work rather than after Bill Barr is confirmed to be attorney general.
The source has clarified to Pete that Rosenstein will leave when Mueller's work is done, and it may take a few weeks or more after that to submit the report. https://t.co/7sICZtArV7The source has clarified to Pete that Rosenstein will leave when Mueller's work is done, and it may take a few weeks or more after that to submit the report. https://t.co/7sICZtArV7
In a new interview with Buzzfeed, John Kasich, the outgoing Republican governor of Ohio, declined to say if he still considered himself a Republican.In a new interview with Buzzfeed, John Kasich, the outgoing Republican governor of Ohio, declined to say if he still considered himself a Republican.
Well I’m certainly a conservative. A creative conservative, on the order of a guy like Jack Kemp, or my newest big fad is Teddy Roosevelt” the progressive Republican president who later left his party and waged an unsuccessful third-party campaign.Well I’m certainly a conservative. A creative conservative, on the order of a guy like Jack Kemp, or my newest big fad is Teddy Roosevelt” the progressive Republican president who later left his party and waged an unsuccessful third-party campaign.
Kasich was an unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2016.Kasich was an unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2016.
The Guardian can confirm as well that Tom Steyer will not run for the presidency.The Guardian can confirm as well that Tom Steyer will not run for the presidency.
The New York Times reports that the progressive billionaire will announce that he will not run for the White House but will step up his efforts to promote Trump’s impeachment instead.The New York Times reports that the progressive billionaire will announce that he will not run for the White House but will step up his efforts to promote Trump’s impeachment instead.
Mr Steyer began informing aides early this week that he would not be a candidate after all, after concluding that he could have a greater political impact through his impeachment activism, several advisers to Mr Steyer said. Mr Steyer intends to spend at least $40m on impeachment efforts in the coming year – money that might otherwise have been directed toward a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.Mr Steyer began informing aides early this week that he would not be a candidate after all, after concluding that he could have a greater political impact through his impeachment activism, several advisers to Mr Steyer said. Mr Steyer intends to spend at least $40m on impeachment efforts in the coming year – money that might otherwise have been directed toward a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“Most people come to Iowa around this time to announce a campaign for president,” Mr Steyer said in prepared remarks, which were obtained by the New York Times. “But I am proud to be here to announce that I will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to remove a president.”“Most people come to Iowa around this time to announce a campaign for president,” Mr Steyer said in prepared remarks, which were obtained by the New York Times. “But I am proud to be here to announce that I will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to remove a president.”
Mike Pence says Trump “made clear today there will be no deal without a wall”.Mike Pence says Trump “made clear today there will be no deal without a wall”.
Mike Pence now attacks Democrats who “demanded that before any negotiations could begin we would have to reopen the government”.Mike Pence now attacks Democrats who “demanded that before any negotiations could begin we would have to reopen the government”.
Trump backs up Schumer’s account, saying: “I said bye-bye” after saying the meeting was “a total waste of time”.Trump backs up Schumer’s account, saying: “I said bye-bye” after saying the meeting was “a total waste of time”.
Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!
Chuck Schumer told reporters that Trump slammed the table and walked out of the meeting at the White House this afternoonChuck Schumer told reporters that Trump slammed the table and walked out of the meeting at the White House this afternoon
Donald Trump implored Republicans to “stick together” as they come under pressure from Democrats, federal workers and the American public to reopen the government.Donald Trump implored Republicans to “stick together” as they come under pressure from Democrats, federal workers and the American public to reopen the government.
During a closed-door lunch with Senate Republicans, the president remained resolute in his negotiating position and made clear that he was not prepared to back away from his demand for a border wall, according to several members who attended the meeting.During a closed-door lunch with Senate Republicans, the president remained resolute in his negotiating position and made clear that he was not prepared to back away from his demand for a border wall, according to several members who attended the meeting.
“He gave no indication of any willingness to budge an inch,” said John Kennedy, a Republican of Louisiana. “The president– and I happen to agree with him –believes that his only sin is that for the first time in 15 or 20 years he is actually enforcing America’s immigration laws.”“He gave no indication of any willingness to budge an inch,” said John Kennedy, a Republican of Louisiana. “The president– and I happen to agree with him –believes that his only sin is that for the first time in 15 or 20 years he is actually enforcing America’s immigration laws.”
In a sign of how far off a resolution was, Kennedy outlined four possible outcomes – none of which included a compromise. In his view, either Trump blinks, Pelosi blinks, Trump declares a national emergency or the government remains partially closed. Senator Lisa Murkowski, one of a handful of Senate Republicans who is uneasy with the prolonged shutdown, said she reminded the president that “when the government is shut down there are consequences and people are starting to feel those consequences”.In a sign of how far off a resolution was, Kennedy outlined four possible outcomes – none of which included a compromise. In his view, either Trump blinks, Pelosi blinks, Trump declares a national emergency or the government remains partially closed. Senator Lisa Murkowski, one of a handful of Senate Republicans who is uneasy with the prolonged shutdown, said she reminded the president that “when the government is shut down there are consequences and people are starting to feel those consequences”.
In response, she said, Trump urged the party to stay unified.In response, she said, Trump urged the party to stay unified.
Murkowski has indicated support for the Democrats’ plan to pass a stopgap spending bill that funds border security at current levels while the debate continues and a separate package that would fully fund the rest of the government until the end of the fiscal year.Murkowski has indicated support for the Democrats’ plan to pass a stopgap spending bill that funds border security at current levels while the debate continues and a separate package that would fully fund the rest of the government until the end of the fiscal year.
Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, wouldn’t guess how many more days – or possibly weeks – the shut down would last but he isn’t counting on a swift conclusion. “I think we’re going to be here for a little while,” he said.Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, wouldn’t guess how many more days – or possibly weeks – the shut down would last but he isn’t counting on a swift conclusion. “I think we’re going to be here for a little while,” he said.
Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican who is firmly behind the president, said Trump told members that declaring a national emergency “remained an option” but that he “wasn’t going to do it right away”.Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican who is firmly behind the president, said Trump told members that declaring a national emergency “remained an option” but that he “wasn’t going to do it right away”.