Hes not a member of the u. S. Senate. And now Senate Democrats are reeling because the president has said while the government is shut down, hes not going to negotiate a change of our immigration laws that our democratic colleagues and frankly many republicans like me would like to see changed relative to the deferred action for childhood arrivals, or daca young adults. So it seems to me that our democratic colleagues have literally well, figuratively, lets say, shot themselves in the foot, reloaded, and shot themselves in the other foot. And now they expect President Trump to somehow rescue them out of this box canyon. I know im mixing my metaphors here, but this situation they find themselves in. They shut down the government, and now theyre hurting the very people that they shut down the government to help. Because there are no negotiations going on on a solution that we would all like to try to achieve. So this is really surreal. You know, the old saying, everybodys entitled to the
Which we all know is a farce. And so we havent had bipartisanship, and i was so encouraged when the majority leader earlier this year first week of the year, i think, right before convening, said he wants to do things on the basis of 60 votes, which is the way the senate has always worked. And the i know he considers himself and institutional i. And i understand that they felt an comparative to try to repeal the Affordable Care act and do their tax cuts via the reconciliation process, which is a 51vote threshold. But he a nnounced, were going to do bipartisan stuff in year. But what we have is an erratic administration that changes its position every hour, so it is difficult to get to 60. They lack the clarity, they lack the capacity, and it appears they lack the desire to govern in a bipartisan fashion. So i just want to be really clear. Democrats are ready and eager to talk. We are here to find a way forward, but that does require president ial leadership. I dont understand why we co
Funding the federal government. This is day two of the Government Shutdown. A vote to limit debate on a temporary spending bill to fund federal operations through february 8 is scheduled for early tomorrow morning at 1 a. M. Eastern. On twitter President Trump wrote if the stomach continues, republican should use the Nuclear Option to rewrite senate rules and try to pass and longterm spending bill with a simple majority. Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell has said he opposes this option. Live coverage of the senate now here on cspan2. The chaplain let us pray. Eternal god almighty, who rules and reigns forever. As our lawmakers seek to solve the problem of this Government Shutdown, remind them of the miscalculations in our history. Give them the wisdom to remember that those who sow to the wind often reap the whirlwind. Provide them with the faith to trust you to direct their steps as they discontinue the blame game and strive to do the most good for the most people. May our senato
Mr. President , President Trump didnt shut down the government. Hes not a member of the United States senate. President trump did not shut down the government. And now Senate Democrats are reeling because the president has said while the government is shut down, hes not going to negotiate a change of our immigration laws that our democratic colleagues, and, frankly, many republicans like me would like to see changed, relative to the deferred action on childhood arrival, or daca, young adults. So it seems to me that our democratic colleagues have literally, well, figuratively lets say, shot themselves in the foot, reloaded, and shot themselves in the other foot. And now they expect President Trump to somehow rescue them out of this boxed canyon. I i know im mixing my metaphors here, but this an situation they find themselves in. They shut down the government, and now theyre hurting the very people that they shut down the government to help. Because theres no negotiations going on on a s
In the Senate Chamber at about 8 30 p. M. And walk over to the house for President Trumps first state of the Union Address. Tomorrow, republican senators join their house colleagues for a threeday policy retreat. The president pro tempore the senate will come to order. The chaplain, dr. Barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Almighty god, the earth belongs to you and everything in it. And even when wrong seems overwhelming, you continue to rule. Create in our lawmakers a hunger and thirst for integrity and honesty. Give them pure hearts and truthful lips, accompanied by a passion to glorify you. Provide them the wisdom to live for the honor of your name, as they remember they are your ambassadors. May they look to you for help, knowing that you surround them with the shield of your favor. We pray in your holy name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unite