WASHINGTON D.C. (WKZO AM/FM) — As the shutdown involving one-quarter of the federal government is nearing the one-month mark, President Trump provided Congress with a compromise plan in a Saturday afternoon address.
It calls for nearly two-billion dollars for humanitarian aid and increased Border Patrol security, nearly six-billion dollars to help construct a wall, and a three year extension of the “Dreamers” program, which would allow 700,000 undocumented immigrants who came here as young children, to stay here if they meet certain criteria.
Negative reaction started even before Trump’s speech, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it a compilation of other plans that had already been rejected and a non-starter, because it includes the wall. She said Trump must end the shutdown before serious negotiations over border security can begin.
Michigan Senator Gary Peters had a similar reaction, saying “The President must reopen the government immediately and work with Congress to find a commonsense, bipartisan agreement to address our homeland security needs.”
During a conference call with the White House after the national address, Holland Republican Bill Huizenga called on the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House to at least consider the President’s proposal.
Grand Rapids/Battle Creek Rep. Justin Amash tweeted he opposes a giant spending bill to build a wall, regardless of what immigration provisions are included.
There was also other criticism from the right. Conservative columnist Ann Coulter called it “amnesty”, tweeting that people voted for Trump and got Jeb Bush. Conservative watchdog Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch says it will undermine the rule of law and encourage more illegal immigration.
