Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber Urges Government Be Reopened

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently submitted a letter to the president and members of Congress requesting the government be opened as soon as possible citing effects the shutdown is having on the economy and the business community. We are now almost five weeks into the partial shutdown, which is the longest in American history. The impasse is occurring largely because of differences regarding appropriations for border security. President Trump has insisted Congress pass legislation that allocates almost $6 billion for a border wall, while Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have said they will not support appropriations for the initiative. The president and the speaker have gone back and forth as to whether or not he will give the State of the Union address in the House chamber. Mr. Trump announced late Wednesday night he will not give the address until the government reopens. You can read more from the chamber concerning the shutdown.