In an attempt to avoid yet another government shutdown, Republicans and Democrats in the Senate reached an agreement on a two-year budget deal. In response, Donald Trump gave his thoughts.
Trump on budget
It was just last month when Democrats and Republicans were unable to find common ground and the government shut down for the first time since 2013. While this shutdown only lasted for just under 72 hours, it highlighted the wide divide between both parties in Congress. In recent days, Donald Trump even expressed his support for another shutdown if he was unable to get enough funding for border security in a deal on immigration.
On Wednesday, CNN reported that a two-year deal was reached, with both sides giving just enough to come to a compromise.
The Budget Agreement today is so important for our great Military. It ends the dangerous sequester and gives Secretary Mattis what he needs to keep America Great. Republicans and Democrats must support our troops and support this Bill!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2018
Commenting on the deal was Donald Trump who did so in a tweet sent out on February 7. "The Budget Agreement today is so important for our great Military," Trump tweeted. "It ends the dangerous sequester and gives Secretary Mattis what he needs to keep America Great," he added. before warning, "Republicans and Democrats must support our troops and support this Bill!"
Bill details
According to the framework in place, the budget deal would increased military and non-defense spending by a projected amount of $300 billion over the next two years, in addition to adding over $80 billion for disaster relief aid.
More than half, at around $160 billion, would go to the Pentagon, with around $130 billion being allocated for non-defense.
Senate leaders announce a two-year budget deal, a major victory for both parties that could prevent a government shutdown https://t.co/AoZtplcto1 pic.twitter.com/gCSo48bVjS
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 7, 2018
The bill is expected to pass the Senate without much difficulty, before facing a harder sell in the House of Representatives.
The issue of extending DACA and funding the president's southern border wall would still be up for debate, with a larger debate expected to continue until a deal is reached that both sides can work with, though the demands of the president still hover over the head of Congress.
Next up
While the government shutdown could still take place, the Senate agreement is a positive step forward for both parties who have seen their popularity drop in recent polls due to the current dysfunction.
For Donald Trump, his current approval rating of 40 percent shows a slight increase compared to his numbers during the end of 2017, but is still historically low for a commander in chief after just one year in office. As the bill waits to be voted on, only time will tell how it all plans out and if the government will remain open for business.
