DIVISIONSThe shutdown cast a huge shadow over the first anniversary of Trump's inauguration as president and highlighted the deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned that the shutdown would "get a lot worse" if federal workers have to stay home without pay. "If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51% (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget, no C.R.'s!" And Republicans failed to win enough Democratic support in the Senate to bring it to a vote. The measure brought to Congress would have extended federal funding until February 16 and reauthorised for six years a health insurance programme for poor children — a long-time Democratic objective.

Source: Daily Nation January 22, 2018 03:00 UTC