Trump is standing firm in his border wall funding demands and newly empowered House Democrats are planning to step up pressure on Trump and Republican lawmakers to reopen the government. White House officials affirmed Trump's funding request in a letter to Capitol Hill after a meeting Sunday with senior congressional aides led by Vice-President Mike Pence at the White House complex yielded little progress. The letter from Office of Management and Budget acting director Russell Vought sought funding for a "steel barrier on the southwest border." pic.twitter.com/xLCYNxk50f —@JRosenworcelThe White House said the letter, as well as details provided during the meeting, sought to answer Democrats' questions about the funding request. That effort is designed to squeeze Senate Republicans, some of whom are growing increasingly anxious about the extended shutdown.

Source: CBC News January 07, 2019 17:06 UTC