President Trump hosted a border security meeting at the White House Tuesday afternoon.
In an effort to make progress on the government shutdown, Trump invited Republican and Democrat lawmakers to attend with ideas. Not a single Democrat showed up. Their leaders, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, were also missing.
“As Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi refuse to negotiate, President Donald J. Trump and his team are working hard to find solutions to solve the humanitarian and national security crisis at the border and reopen the government. The President has a proposal on the table that includes additional technology at ports of entry, allows minors from Central America to seek asylum in their home country, and physical barriers between ports of entry made of steel instead of concrete," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released in a statement. "Today, the President offered both Democrats and Republicans the chance to meet for lunch at the White House. Unfortunately, no Democrats will attend. The President looks forward to having a working lunch with House Republicans to solve the border crisis and reopen the government. It’s time for the Democrats to come to the table and make a deal.”
Here's a list of House Republicans who attended:
1. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN)
2. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL)
3. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA)
4. Rep. John Katko (R-NY)
5. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH)
6. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX)
7. Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX)
8. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH)
9. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA)
On Tuesday morning, President Trump went after Pelosi and Schumer on Twitter. He also warned of another caravan headed to the U.S. from Honduras.
Why is Nancy Pelosi getting paid when people who are working are not?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2019
A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2019
Polls are now showing that people are beginning to understand the Humanitarian Crisis and Crime at the Border. Numbers are going up fast, over 50%. Democrats will soon be known as the Party of Crime. Ridiculous that they don’t want Border Security!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2019
Trump will host a phone meeting with local community leaders on border security later in the afternoon.