President Donald Trump signed the measure into law on Friday morning, ending a government shutdown that began just after midnight, when Congress was still debating the budget deal. It was the second shutdown this year under the Republican-controlled Congress and Trump, who played little role in attempts by party leaders this week to end months of fiscal squabbling. Once known as the party of fiscal conservatives, the Republicans and Trump are now quickly expanding the US budget deficit and its $20 trillion national debt. Friday's budget deal allows for $165 billion in additional defense spending over two years that will help Trump deliver on his promise to rebuild the military. His dissent forced the brief government shutdown, underscoring the persistent inability of Congress and Trump to deal efficiently with Washington's most basic fiscal obligation of keeping the government open.

Source: bd News24 February 09, 2018 13:41 UTC