Top Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi were represented at last week's budget talks by empty chairs. Although they had planned to attend, they changed their minds after President Trump tweeted his doubts that they'd come to any agreement.
Meeting with “Chuck and Nancy” today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don’t see a deal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2017
While Trump's tweet was meant to antagonize, Schumer and Pelosi were condemned for their last minute decision by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Their antics displayed a "lack of seriousness," he said.
On Monday, it appears the Democrats are ready to talk. They have accepted the president's invitation to talk Thursday about the budget and how to avoid a government shutdown.
"We need to reach a budget agreement that equally boosts funds for our military and key priorities here at home including the opioid crisis, pension plans and rural infrastructure," Schumer and Pelosi said. "We have to provide funding for community health centers and CHIP, as well as relief for the millions of Americans still reeling from natural disasters. And we must also come together on a bipartisan deal to pass the DREAM Act along with tough border security measures. There is a bipartisan path forward on all of these items."
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The deadline to pass a funding measure before the government shuts down is Friday. The deal currently being discussed would be just a short-term fix.
The Democrats tweeted their hope that the president will "go into this meeting with an open mind, rather than deciding that an agreement can't be reached beforehand."
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