Shutdown Over (For Now); POTUS Backpedals

The so-called partial government shutdown is on hold, and the administration is licking its wounds following a setback in its drive to fund a border wall.

Federal workers are ready to return to work with pay; the president agreed Friday to reopen the government in full for three weeks. Given the recent political logjam, many politicos and commentators are wondering whether three weeks will be enough to strike a deal.

As the New York Times reports, the Trump administration has for the moment backed down it its call for $5.7 billion to build a wall along the southern border.

The administration and the Democrats in Congress now have until February 15. Mr. Trump spun the truce as a victory and warned that he would not hesitate to reinstate the shutdown if the parties involved fail to come to terms.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, in a conference with Senator Chuck Schumer, said her party intends to hold fast on opposition to funding for the wall.

[Source: New York Times]