Rep. Cheri Bustos, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair, said Wednesday that January’s partial government shutdown was a waste of time in light of the tentative new deal lawmakers have reached.
“It was a total waste,” the Illinois congresswoman said on CNN’s “New Day.” “All the president had to do is say he was willing to take a look at a negotiated and compromised proposal, and that is what is coming out.”
The 35-day shutdown that began in December was the longest in U.S. history, placing a financial strain on hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
As lawmakers worked to avoid a second government shutdown, they came to a compromise that would give President Trump $1.375 billion for border fencing and funding for 40,520 beds in ICE facilities.
On Tuesday, Mr. Trump said he wasn’t happy with the deal and still looking to negotiate, but he signaled he would likely sign on.
Ms. Bustos said that lawmakers “probably have something that’s workable” because both sides aren’t entirely pleased with the deal.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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