The following is a statement from Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
Isolated, defeated and desperate, President Trump flew the white flag today. He has finally relented, agreeing to reopen the government he closed and to stop the suffering he caused.
Trump took nearly a million government workers hostage, threatened the health and safety of millions more, and brought the country to the brink of disaster. Why? To pretend his dog-whistle rally chant is a policy priority so he could placate right-wing infotainment celebrities such as Ann Coulter.
The fact that government workers have been forced into soup lines is despicable. The fact that Republicans backed Trump in this cynical maneuver is stunning. The fact that they stood by while a raging egomaniac degraded our institutions is disgraceful.
It’s high time Trump and the Republican Party absorb the lessons of the 2018 midterm elections. Then as now, a strong majority of Americans reject his divisive xenophobia and want Congress to check him, not enable him.
Our nation believes immigrants and refugees strengthen us. Our nation does not have a border crisis. Our nation needs a 21st century immigration policy, not a 14th century wall. Our nation wants leaders who serve the interests of all of us, not a President who serves the personal interests of his family.
There are negotiations to come. We thank the Democratic members of Congress for standing strong to date, and we ask you to remain so. The nation is behind you. We call on Republican members of Congress to do your job. It’s time to turn your attention from saving face for one man to keeping the government open for all.
