WASHINGTON _ Despite another White House meeting among principals, President Donald Trump and congressional leaders made little progress over resolving a partial government shutdown now in its 12th day.
"We had a good discussion. Obviously the border security issue _ I don't think any particular progress was made today. But we talked about all aspects of it and it was a civil discussion. And we're hopeful that somehow in the coming days and weeks we'll be able to reach an agreement," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said upon returning to the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon.
And, with a new Congress being sworn in Thursday, Trump has invited congressional leaders back to the White House Friday to continue to work through the standoff, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the incoming minority leader, told reporters at the White House.
"Hopefully we can get there Friday," McCarthy said, referring to congressional leaders and White House officials having a conversation just about pursuing "common ground" on ending the partial government shutdown.
Trump told House Democratic leaders he opposes shutdown-ending legislation they plan to bring to votes Thursday. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who is expected to become speaker midday Thursday, said that legislation is modeled on a package put together by a GOP-controlled House and Senate.
"We are giving him a Republican path to do that," she said. "Why wouldn't he do that?"
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., said he asked the president for "one good reason" he would not support passing six other department spending bills while talks about border security funding continue. "He could not give one answer," Schumer said.
He accused the president and Republicans with holding federal workers "hostage."
"We hope it doesn't," Schumer said when asked if he thinks the ongoing partial shutdown will last a long time.
