With the next deadline for a government shutdown looming, most are not optimistic that Congress can manage to reach a deal, according to a new survey.
In a new CNN poll, 64 percent said it’s unlikely Congress can find a solution out of the stalemate on border security funding before the government closes yet again. Lawmakers have until Feb. 15 to come to a compromise.
The pessimism was one thing all the political demographics could agree on, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents doubting that Congress will reach a deal.
A majority — 57 percent — don’t want to see the government close again over wall funding, nor do they want President Trump to declare a national security crisis to circumvent Congress.
The president has been laying the groundwork to declare an emergency and use the military to build the wall, should Congress not approve more funding, although the move is legally and politically risky.
Although the majority of public opinion is against him, Mr. Trump’s base continues to back him on the border issue. An overwhelming amount — 71 percent — would be OK if the government shut down again, and 64 percent support the plan to declare a national emergency.
More than 1,000 respondents were contacted from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 for the survey, which had a 3.8 percent margin of error.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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