No Political Theatre Allowed, Meeting to Be Held in Situation Room
President Donald Trump invited congressional leaders to the White House for a border security briefing Wednesday in the Situation Room.
The location is noteworthy given the Situation Room is a secure facility. Cellular phones and other devices are not allowed, and neither are members of the press.
So, with the partial government shutdown now headed for its 12th day, there will be no political theatre.
The president was initially seeking $5 billion, a minuscule amount for a security appropriation, though he has made it clear that half of his demand would mean a deal to reopen the government.
House Democrats intend to introduce legislation to do just that, albeit temporarily. It does not provide funding for the president’s border wall, which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security (DHS) have said they desperately need in most areas.
Border Patrol fended off another attack from a “caravan” of several hundred migrants Tuesday night. CBP fired tear gas after those attempting to enter the U.S. illegally again began to throw large rocks at border patrol agents.
The president threatened to and subsequently did shutdown the government amid news a police officer in California was killed by an illegal immigrant.
Several new migrant caravans backed by liberal activist groups, including what PPD has been told is the largest ever, are headed to the southern border.
Top Senate Republicans including Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have backed the president’s effort. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kty., said the House bill is dead on arrival.
The meeting will take place at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Leadership Invited to Meeting
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
House Whip Steny Hoyer, D-N.Y.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
House Whip Steve Scalise, R-La.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kty.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune, R-N.D.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
