By Dave Boyer - The Washington Times - Monday, January 7, 2019
Vice President Mike Pence blasted congressional Democratic leaders Monday for refusing to negotiate with the administration on a border-security solution that would end the partial government shutdown.
“When are the Democrats going to start negotiating?†Mr. Pence asked in a session with reporters at the White House. “There is a crisis at the southern border. We just need the Democrats to start negotiating.â€
Mr. Pence and other top administration officials held talks with Democratic congressional staffers over the weekend, but lawmakers won’t take part in the discussions until President Trump agrees to reopen the government. About 800,000 federal workers are not being paid during the shutdown.
Mr. Trump will give a prime-time address to the nation Tuesday night about his demands for funding for a border barrier, a proposal that Democrats reject outright.
“Our position is very simply this: there is a security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border,†Mr. Pence said. “Their position has been very clear. They refuse to negotiate until the federal government reopens.â€
He said the president has invited Democratic leaders back to the White House this week for new talks, but so far there has been no response.
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https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jan/7/pence-calls-democrats-come-back-negotiating-table/
