By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump said Monday that he is "working hard" to get Republicans in the House of Representatives to pass a government funding bill and end an ongoing partial shutdown.
"We need to get the government open, and I hope all Republicans and Democrats will join me in supporting this bill, and send it to my desk without delay. There can be no changes at this time," he said on his Truth Social platform.
"We will work together in good faith to address the issues that have been raised, but we cannot have another long, pointless, and destructive shutdown that will hurt our country so badly — one that will not benefit Republicans or Democrats. I hope everyone will vote, yes!" he added.
The Senate voted 71-29 on the funding package, approving it Friday. It includes five long-term appropriations bills while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two weeks to allow negotiations on immigration enforcement.
The matter has become a flashpoint after immigration agents killed two protesters last month in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the Trump administration surges forces there to fulfill the president's deportation demands. The killings prompted mass demonstrations in the Twin Cities, including a protest Friday that saw thousands of demonstrators fill the streets of downtown Minneapolis.
The House needs to follow suit for the package to reach Trump's desk to be signed into law. The chamber is expected to vote Tuesday.