But when Mr McConnell stepped to a podium on the Senate floor shortly after 9pm Sunday, it wasn’t to announce a deal. Seven more senators would need to change their position in support of Mr McConnell for the government to reopen. White House legislative director Marc Short expressed frustration late Sunday that the shutdown would carry into a third day, and reiterated the White House would not negotiate on immigration while the government remains closed. For many Democrats, Mr McConnell’s vague promise to hold an immigration vote likely won’t be enough to persuade them to vote to end the shutdown. Mr Trump said White House staff were demanding $33 billion for border security when Mr Trump said last week he could make a deal for less than $18 billion.

Source: Bangkok Post January 22, 2018 04:18 UTC