——BUDGET BATTLECrunching budget caps imposed by a 2011 fiscal deal would freeze spending for the Pentagon and nondefense Cabinet departments at last year’s levels. Boosting pressure on lawmakers to reach agreement, Defence Secretary James Mattis has said the Pentagon needs a full-year budget this month. The White House’s Sanders called a budget deal “our biggest and number one priority.”——IMMIGRATIONDemocrats have split over how far to push for legislation protecting Dreamers. Trump gave lawmakers until March to reach a legislative solution and has indicated a willingness to seek a deal with Democrats. Democrats want additional aid for Puerto Rico, where only about half the territory has electricity months after Hurricane Maria slammed it.

Source: National Post January 02, 2018 21:08 UTC