US: House passes stopgap bill

A stopgap bill to keep the US government from another shut down have been approved by the house of representatives on Tuesday. This was the fifth stopgap measure of the federal fiscal year that began on the first of October and provides funding for most agencies till March 23. It highlights the congress' ( with republican majority) inability to carry out it most critical responsibility. 

The senate will take up the bill on Wednesday. If changes are implemented, it will be sent back to the house with a deadline for Thursday to get a finished bill to President Trump for his signature. 

Democrats cancelled a retreat due to urgent nature of the bill, which does not contain any amendment to US immigration law, the major issue that ultimately led to a shutdown last month, as a result of lawmakers failing to reach an agreement. Both Democrats and Republicans have said they were making progress on a budget  that would increase spending limits for defense and non-defense programs. 

Hours before the bill was passed, president Trump said he would love to see the government shutdown if congress does not reach an agreement on an immigration deal.

"If we don't change it let's have a shutdown. We'll do a shutdown, and it's worth it for our country. If we don't change the legislation, if we don't get rid of these loopholes where killers are allowed to come into our country and continue to kill... if we don't change it, let's have a shutdown." Trump said speaking to law enforcement panel.

His chief of staff said the the president was unlikely to extend the deadline for dreamers.

New York senator, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, said Trump's comment speaks for itself. He added "We had one Trump shutdown, nobody wants another, maybe except him."  

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders later tried to clarify the statement, insisting Trump was not seeking for a shutdown. She said the president only wants wants a long term deal on immigration.

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