WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers took a tough stance on Saturday after the U.S. Congress failed to fund federal agencies, saying they would not negotiate on immigration until Democrats help end the government shutdown. Republicans said they would refuse to negotiate on immigration until Democrats provide the votes to re-open the government. “The president will not negotiate on immigration reform until Democrats stop playing games and reopen the government,” said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. “Negotiating with President Trump is like negotiating with Jell-O,” said Schumer, who met Trump at the White House on Friday for a 90-minute meeting that had briefly raised hopes. Republicans hoped Democrats would support it if they were assured McConnell would allow several immigration measures to come up for a vote.

Source: New Strait Times January 20, 2018 21:56 UTC