Hours before major announcement on border wall, United States President Donald Trump reiterated his demands on border wall.

In the latest salvo of tweets, trump emphasised on building a border wall to prevent migrants from approaching US border.

Trump's launched the latest tweetstorm even came as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting US troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned Congressional trip.

The shutdown -- the longest in US history -- has paralyzed Washington and resulted in 800-thousand federal employees continuing to work &nbsp;-- or sit at home -- without pay.

Ahead of the announcement, &nbsp;Trump also released a video message on Twitter in which he called border security a humanitarian and national crisis.&nbsp;

The United States will be a very very sad and foolish lot if they do not &nbsp;secure the border, Trump said.&nbsp;

Trump also launched a scathing attack on US media and targeted Buzzfeed News which reported on Thursday evening that Trump had personally directed Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about a real estate project in Moscow.&nbsp;

The report cited two federal law enforcement sources and said the special counsel’s office had learned of Trump’s alleged directive from multiple witnesses, Trump Organization emails, text messages and other documents.

''Many people are saying that the Mainstream Media will have a very hard time restoring credibility because of the way they have treated me over the past 3 years (including the election lead-up), as highlighted by the disgraceful Buzzfeed story &amp; the even more disgraceful coverage!'' Trump tweeted.

''The Economy is one of the best in our history, with unemployment at a 50 year low, and the Stock Market ready to again break a record (set by us many times) - &amp; all you heard yesterday, based on a phony story, was Impeachment. You want to see a Stock Market Crash, Impeach Trump!'' he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Hours before major announcement on border wall, United States President Donald Trump reiterated his demands on border wall. In the latest salvo of tweets, trump emphasised on building a border wall to prevent migrants from approaching US border.

Hours before major announcement on border wall, United States President Donald Trump reiterated his demands on border wall. In the latest salvo of tweets, trump emphasised on building a border wall to prevent migrants from approaching US border. Trump's launched the latest tweetstorm even came as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting US troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned Congressional trip. The shutdown -- the longest in US history -- has paralyzed Washington and resulted in 800-thousand federal employees continuing to work -- or sit at home -- without pay. Ahead of the announcement, Trump also released a video message on Twitter in which he called border security a humanitarian and national crisis. The United States will be a very very sad and foolish lot if they do not secure the border, Trump said. Trump also launched a scathing attack on US media and targeted Buzzfeed News which reported on Thursday evening that Trump had personally directed Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about a real estate project in Moscow. The report cited two federal law enforcement sources and said the special counsel’s office had learned of Trump’s alleged directive from multiple witnesses, Trump Organization emails, text messages and other documents. ''Many people are saying that the Mainstream Media will have a very hard time restoring credibility because of the way they have treated me over the past 3 years (including the election lead-up), as highlighted by the disgraceful Buzzfeed story & the even more disgraceful coverage!'' Trump tweeted. ''The Economy is one of the best in our history, with unemployment at a 50 year low, and the Stock Market ready to again break a record (set by us many times) - & all you heard yesterday, based on a phony story, was Impeachment. You want to see a Stock Market Crash, Impeach Trump!'' he said in another tweet.

Donald Trump reiterates demand for wall, attacks media   

US House Speaker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blocks-pelosi-trip-as-tensions-mount-over-government-shutdown-191083">Nancy Pelosi</a> on Friday accused President Donald Trump of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country, as tensions between the leaders spiked on the 28th day of a partial government shutdown.

Trump later on Friday signalled he would turn his attention from the fight over congressional travel back to the budget standoff that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without paychecks, posting on Twitter that he would make a "major announcement" on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on the "humanitarian crisis" on the country's southern border and on the partial shutdown.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1086395559504764930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The White House rejected Pelosi's charge of endangering troops and civilians.

The Republican Trump administration, which on Thursday had blocked Democrat Pelosi from making the trip to Afghanistan, on Friday slapped a blanket ban on all US congressional travel on government-owned or operated aircraft while the shutdown continues.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the administration was just trying to keep Pelosi in town so that negotiations could take place to try to end the partial shutdown, at four weeks already the longest in US history.

"If she did (leave the country), it would all but guarantee the fact that the negotiations couldn't take place over the weekend and federal workers - 800,000 federal workers - wouldn't receive their paychecks because she wasn't here to help make a deal," Sanders told reporters. She added that it was "outrageous" that Pelosi would accuse Trump "of putting any life in jeopardy."

But Democrats said no negotiations were going on. "We have received no requests to meet from the White House," Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said.

Trump on Thursday had blocked Pelosi from using a military plane for a congressional trip with other high-ranking Democrats to NATO headquarters in Brussels and then Afghanistan.

Pelosi's office then was prepared to fly commercially - an idea Trump himself raised - but on Friday morning announced the trip was being postponed because the administration had leaked details that could endanger the trip or the troops the speaker had planned to visit. A White House official denied this.

"We had a report from Afghanistan ... that the president outing our trip had made the scene on the ground much more dangerous because it was just a signal to the bad actors that we're coming," Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol.

"You never give advance notice of going into a battle area. You just never do," she said. "Perhaps the president's inexperience did not have him understand that protocol. The people around him should have known that because that's very dangerous.”

A White House official, speaking earlier on condition of anonymity, denied the administration leaked Pelosi's travel plans, adding, "When the speaker of the House and about 20 others from Capitol Hill decide to book their own commercial flights to Afghanistan, the world is going to find out."

The White House on Friday escalated the argument with lawmakers, with the Office of Management and Budget announcing that Congress was effectively grounded unless lawmakers could get White House approval for trips or pay for them themselves.

"Under no circumstances during a government shutdown will any government-owned, rented, leased, or chartered aircraft support any Congressional delegation, without the express written approval of the White House Chief of Staff," a memo said.

"Nor will any funds appropriated to the Executive Branch be used for any Congressional delegation travel expenses, without his express written approval," the memo added.

That ultimatum, which congressional Democrats have rejected, has prevented Congress from approving legislation to restore funding to about a quarter of the federal government, which closed down partially on December 22 when several agencies' funds expired for reasons unrelated to the border.

Any serious debate about immigration policy has deteriorated into a test of political wills. Pelosi earlier in the week suggested to Trump that he delay the annual State of the Union address until after the government reopens. While he did not respond directly to Pelosi's suggestion, on Thursday he denied her delegation's use of a military aircraft to go to Brussels and Afghanistan.

Asked Friday whether Trump's address would occur in the House chamber on January 29 as scheduled, Sanders said: "We'll certainly keep you posted on that front."

The partial shutdown seemed certain to drag well into next week, meaning 800,000 federal workers nationwide would continue to go unpaid and some government functions would remain impaired.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives has left town for a three-day weekend, returning late on Tuesday. The Senate was expected to reconvene on Saturday.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday accused President Donald Trump of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country, as tensions between the leaders spiked on the 28th day of a partial government shutdown.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday accused President Donald Trump of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country, as tensions between the leaders spiked on the 28th day of a partial government shutdown. Trump later on Friday signalled he would turn his attention from the fight over congressional travel back to the budget standoff that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without paychecks, posting on Twitter that he would make a "major announcement" on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on the "humanitarian crisis" on the country's southern border and on the partial shutdown. I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the @WhiteHouse. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2019 × The White House rejected Pelosi's charge of endangering troops and civilians. The Republican Trump administration, which on Thursday had blocked Democrat Pelosi from making the trip to Afghanistan, on Friday slapped a blanket ban on all US congressional travel on government-owned or operated aircraft while the shutdown continues. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the administration was just trying to keep Pelosi in town so that negotiations could take place to try to end the partial shutdown, at four weeks already the longest in US history. "If she did (leave the country), it would all but guarantee the fact that the negotiations couldn't take place over the weekend and federal workers - 800,000 federal workers - wouldn't receive their paychecks because she wasn't here to help make a deal," Sanders told reporters. She added that it was "outrageous" that Pelosi would accuse Trump "of putting any life in jeopardy." But Democrats said no negotiations were going on. "We have received no requests to meet from the White House," Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said. Trump on Thursday had blocked Pelosi from using a military plane for a congressional trip with other high-ranking Democrats to NATO headquarters in Brussels and then Afghanistan. Pelosi's office then was prepared to fly commercially - an idea Trump himself raised - but on Friday morning announced the trip was being postponed because the administration had leaked details that could endanger the trip or the troops the speaker had planned to visit. A White House official denied this. "We had a report from Afghanistan ... that the president outing our trip had made the scene on the ground much more dangerous because it was just a signal to the bad actors that we're coming," Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol. "You never give advance notice of going into a battle area. You just never do," she said. "Perhaps the president's inexperience did not have him understand that protocol. The people around him should have known that because that's very dangerous.” A White House official, speaking earlier on condition of anonymity, denied the administration leaked Pelosi's travel plans, adding, "When the speaker of the House and about 20 others from Capitol Hill decide to book their own commercial flights to Afghanistan, the world is going to find out." The White House on Friday escalated the argument with lawmakers, with the Office of Management and Budget announcing that Congress was effectively grounded unless lawmakers could get White House approval for trips or pay for them themselves. "Under no circumstances during a government shutdown will any government-owned, rented, leased, or chartered aircraft support any Congressional delegation, without the express written approval of the White House Chief of Staff," a memo said. "Nor will any funds appropriated to the Executive Branch be used for any Congressional delegation travel expenses, without his express written approval," the memo added. That ultimatum, which congressional Democrats have rejected, has prevented Congress from approving legislation to restore funding to about a quarter of the federal government, which closed down partially on December 22 when several agencies' funds expired for reasons unrelated to the border. Any serious debate about immigration policy has deteriorated into a test of political wills. Pelosi earlier in the week suggested to Trump that he delay the annual State of the Union address until after the government reopens. While he did not respond directly to Pelosi's suggestion, on Thursday he denied her delegation's use of a military aircraft to go to Brussels and Afghanistan. Asked Friday whether Trump's address would occur in the House chamber on January 29 as scheduled, Sanders said: "We'll certainly keep you posted on that front." The partial shutdown seemed certain to drag well into next week, meaning 800,000 federal workers nationwide would continue to go unpaid and some government functions would remain impaired. The Democratic-led House of Representatives has left town for a three-day weekend, returning late on Tuesday. The Senate was expected to reconvene on Saturday.

House Speaker Pelosi accuses Trump of endangering US troops, lawmakers

President Donald Trump's conflict with Democrats over a partial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-starting-to-hurt-trumps-financial-deregulation-agenda-191010">US government shutdown</a> escalated on Thursday with Trump denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi use of military aircraft for an overseas trip in apparent retaliation for her suggestion that he delay the annual State of the Union address.&nbsp;

The rising tension suggested that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-impact-on-us-government-widens-on-25th-day-of-shutdown-190682">shutdown</a>, now in its 27th day, remains far from being resolved.&nbsp;

In the meantime, the Trump administration continued to try to mitigate the shutdown's impact. The State Department said it would call its furloughed employees back to work next week for national security reasons.

Pelosi had been scheduled to travel on a military aircraft as part of a congressional delegation to Belgium, where NATO is based, and Afghanistan to visit American troops stationed there.&nbsp;

In a letter to Pelosi denying her delegation the use of a plane, the Republican president called the trip an "excursion" but the Democrat`s spokesman said the trip to the Afghanistan war zone was for security and intelligence briefings.&nbsp;

"In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that postponing this public relations event is totally appropriate," Trump wrote.

He told Pelosi she could make the trip by flying commercial.

Trump`s intervention stopped the trip just as Pelosi and other lawmakers were about to travel.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump had acted within his authority as commander in chief.&nbsp;

"He postponed her ability to use military air, which must be approved" by the Department of Defense, Sanders said.

A spokesman for Pelosi, Drew Hammill, said the trip to Brussels was intended "to affirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the NATO alliance."&nbsp;

The Afghanistan leg of the trip would have obtained "critical national security and intelligence briefings from those on the front lines," Hammill said.

A House Democratic aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that details of the trip were not supposed to be revealed for security reasons, as is customary. The White House, however, made the letter to Pelosi detailing the itinerary public.

A US&nbsp;defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pelosi had requested and been granted Defense Department support for overseas travel, although the president has the authority to cancel Pelosi`s travel.

At the Capitol, members of the delegation had already boarded a bus bound for Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington, from which the plane was set to depart when news of Trump`s decision broke.&nbsp;

It appeared to be a response to a letter Pelosi sent to Trump on Tuesday, suggesting he delay the annual State of the Union address to Congress, scheduled for January 29, to some point after the government reopens.&nbsp;

Pelosi cited concerns over the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service to safeguard the Capitol during the event. The agency later said it was capable of securing the venue.&nbsp;

Trump`s action drew criticism from one of his Republican allies in the Senate. "One sophomoric response does not deserve another," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

He criticised Pelosi`s move on the State of the Union as "blatantly political" but said, "President Trump denying Speaker Pelosi military travel to visit our troops in Afghanistan, our allies in Egypt and NATO is also inappropriate."

Democratic Representative Elaine Luria, a first-year lawmaker and a 20-year Navy veteran, had harsh words for Trump.&nbsp;

"The president’s comment that lawmakers visiting Afghanistan is a ‘public relations event’ is an insult to the brave men and women serving in harm’s way,” Luria said.&nbsp;

Also on Thursday, the State Department said it would recall its employees and take steps to pay them salaries - a departure from other agencies.

"As a national security agency, it is imperative that the Department of State carries out its mission," Deputy Under Secretary of State Bill Todd said in a statement. "We are best positioned to do so with fully staffed embassies, consulates and domestic offices."

Todd said the department`s employees would be paid on February 14 for work performed beginning on or after this coming Sunday. The department would review its available funds and "legal authorities" beyond the upcoming pay period to try to cover future payments, he said.

About one-quarter of federal agencies have been shuttered since December 22, with Democratic lawmakers refusing to accede to Trump`s demands to pay for a wall along the US border with Mexico.

Trump is holding out for $5.7 billion for a border wall. Democrats, who took over the US House of Representatives this month, have rejected his demands, saying there are cheaper, more effective ways of enhancing border security.

Before leaving for the weekend, the House passed another bill that would fund the government through February 28, but the vote was later vacated and held over until next week after a procedural objection from Republicans.&nbsp;

The Senate, however, has refused to bring any funding bill to the floor for a vote that Trump does not support.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's conflict with Democrats over a partial US government shutdown escalated on Thursday with Trump denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi use of military aircraft for an overseas trip in apparent retaliation for her suggestion that he delay the annual State of the Union address.

President Donald Trump's conflict with Democrats over a partial US government shutdown escalated on Thursday with Trump denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi use of military aircraft for an overseas trip in apparent retaliation for her suggestion that he delay the annual State of the Union address. The rising tension suggested that the shutdown, now in its 27th day, remains far from being resolved. In the meantime, the Trump administration continued to try to mitigate the shutdown's impact. The State Department said it would call its furloughed employees back to work next week for national security reasons. Pelosi had been scheduled to travel on a military aircraft as part of a congressional delegation to Belgium, where NATO is based, and Afghanistan to visit American troops stationed there. In a letter to Pelosi denying her delegation the use of a plane, the Republican president called the trip an "excursion" but the Democrat`s spokesman said the trip to the Afghanistan war zone was for security and intelligence briefings. "In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that postponing this public relations event is totally appropriate," Trump wrote. He told Pelosi she could make the trip by flying commercial. Trump`s intervention stopped the trip just as Pelosi and other lawmakers were about to travel. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump had acted within his authority as commander in chief. "He postponed her ability to use military air, which must be approved" by the Department of Defense, Sanders said. A spokesman for Pelosi, Drew Hammill, said the trip to Brussels was intended "to affirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the NATO alliance." The Afghanistan leg of the trip would have obtained "critical national security and intelligence briefings from those on the front lines," Hammill said. A House Democratic aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that details of the trip were not supposed to be revealed for security reasons, as is customary. The White House, however, made the letter to Pelosi detailing the itinerary public. A US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pelosi had requested and been granted Defense Department support for overseas travel, although the president has the authority to cancel Pelosi`s travel. At the Capitol, members of the delegation had already boarded a bus bound for Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington, from which the plane was set to depart when news of Trump`s decision broke. It appeared to be a response to a letter Pelosi sent to Trump on Tuesday, suggesting he delay the annual State of the Union address to Congress, scheduled for January 29, to some point after the government reopens. Pelosi cited concerns over the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service to safeguard the Capitol during the event. The agency later said it was capable of securing the venue. Trump`s action drew criticism from one of his Republican allies in the Senate. "One sophomoric response does not deserve another," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on Twitter. He criticised Pelosi`s move on the State of the Union as "blatantly political" but said, "President Trump denying Speaker Pelosi military travel to visit our troops in Afghanistan, our allies in Egypt and NATO is also inappropriate." Democratic Representative Elaine Luria, a first-year lawmaker and a 20-year Navy veteran, had harsh words for Trump. "The president’s comment that lawmakers visiting Afghanistan is a ‘public relations event’ is an insult to the brave men and women serving in harm’s way,” Luria said. Also on Thursday, the State Department said it would recall its employees and take steps to pay them salaries - a departure from other agencies. "As a national security agency, it is imperative that the Department of State carries out its mission," Deputy Under Secretary of State Bill Todd said in a statement. "We are best positioned to do so with fully staffed embassies, consulates and domestic offices." Todd said the department`s employees would be paid on February 14 for work performed beginning on or after this coming Sunday. The department would review its available funds and "legal authorities" beyond the upcoming pay period to try to cover future payments, he said. About one-quarter of federal agencies have been shuttered since December 22, with Democratic lawmakers refusing to accede to Trump`s demands to pay for a wall along the US border with Mexico. Trump is holding out for $5.7 billion for a border wall. Democrats, who took over the US House of Representatives this month, have rejected his demands, saying there are cheaper, more effective ways of enhancing border security. Before leaving for the weekend, the House passed another bill that would fund the government through February 28, but the vote was later vacated and held over until next week after a procedural objection from Republicans. The Senate, however, has refused to bring any funding bill to the floor for a vote that Trump does not support.

Trump blocks Pelosi's trip as tensions mount over US government shutdown

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blocks-pelosi-trip-as-tensions-mount-over-government-shutdown-191083"> US delegation's trip to the annual</a> international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government.

"Out of consideration for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-starting-to-hurt-trumps-financial-deregulation-agenda-191010">800,000 great American workers</a> not receiving pay and to ensure his team can assist as needed, President Trump has canceled his delegation's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland," said a statement from Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had been due to head the five-strong delegation that also included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and assistant to the president Chris Liddell.

The decision to scrap the Davos trip came after Trump hit his chief Democratic opponent Nancy Pelosi with a last-minute cancellation of her plan to take an air force plane to Afghanistan, citing the four-week-old shutdown as a motive.

Some 800,000 federal employees and many more government contractors are affected by the partial shutdown, triggered by Trump's refusal to sign off on funding for a host of departments.

This was in retaliation for the refusal of Democrats, who control the lower house of Congress, to approve his plans for a US-Mexico border wall.

Trump last week cancelled his own participation in Davos, also citing the row over his proposed wall. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the US delegation's trip to the annual international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government.

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the US delegation's trip to the annual international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government. "Out of consideration for the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay and to ensure his team can assist as needed, President Trump has canceled his delegation's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland," said a statement from Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had been due to head the five-strong delegation that also included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and assistant to the president Chris Liddell. The decision to scrap the Davos trip came after Trump hit his chief Democratic opponent Nancy Pelosi with a last-minute cancellation of her plan to take an air force plane to Afghanistan, citing the four-week-old shutdown as a motive. Some 800,000 federal employees and many more government contractors are affected by the partial shutdown, triggered by Trump's refusal to sign off on funding for a host of departments. This was in retaliation for the refusal of Democrats, who control the lower house of Congress, to approve his plans for a US-Mexico border wall. Trump last week cancelled his own participation in Davos, also citing the row over his proposed wall.

Trump cancels US delegation's trip to Davos amid shutdown

The partial US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds.

The president issued a series of tweets Saturday in an effort to defend his stance and goad Democrats to return to Washington and end what he called "the massive humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border."

"Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes!" he said in one tweet, adding in another, "We will be out for a long time unless the Democrats come back from their 'vacations' and get back to work. I am in the White House ready to sign!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes! Call your Dem Senator or Congresswoman/man. Tell them to get it done! Humanitarian Crisis.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1084099445556502528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But most lawmakers left town on Friday and will not return before Monday, leaving little chance for any solution to the stalemate before then.

The impasse has paralyzed Washington -- its impact felt increasingly around the country -- with the president retaliating by refusing to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments unrelated to the dispute.

As a result, 800,000 federal employees -- workers as diverse as FBI agents, air traffic controllers and museum staff -- did not receive paychecks Friday.

The shutdown became the longest on record at midnight Friday (0500 GMT Saturday), when it overtook a 21-day stretch in 1995-1996 under president Bill Clinton.

Retreat from 'emergency'

On Friday, however, Trump backed off a series of previous threats to end the deadlock by declaring a national emergency and attempting to secure the funds without congressional approval.

"I'm not going to do it so fast," he said at a White House meeting.

Trump described an emergency declaration as the "easy way out" and said Congress had to step up to the responsibility of approving the $5.7 billion he says is needed.

"If they can't do it... I will declare a national emergency. I have the absolute right," he said.

Until Friday, Trump had suggested numerous times that he was getting closer to taking the controversial decision. One powerful Republican ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, tweeted after talks with Trump: "Mr. President, Declare a national emergency NOW."

But the president himself acknowledged in the White House meeting that an attempt to claim emergency powers would likely end up in legal battles going all the way to the Supreme Court -- as other Republicans and some of his advisers have reportedly cautioned him.

Opponents say that a unilateral presidential move would be a constitutional overreach and set a dangerous precedent in similar controversies.

'Under siege'

The standoff has turned into a test of political ego, particularly for Trump, who came into office boasting of his deal-making powers and making an aggressive border policy the keystone of his nationalist agenda.

In two of his tweets Saturday, Trump pushed back on a media report that his White House was "chaotic" with no plan or strategy to end the shutdown.

"The Fakes always like talking Chaos, there is NONE..." he tweeted. "I do have a plan on the Shutdown."

"But to understand that plan you would have to understand the fact that I won the election, and I promised... a Wall at the Southern Border. Elections have consequences!"

Democrats, meanwhile, seem determined at all costs to prevent the president from getting the wall he has often promised in his campaign-style rallies.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the US-Mexican border presents major challenges, ranging from the violent Mexican drug trade to the plight of asylum seekers and poor migrants seeking new lives in the world's richest country.

But Trump has turned his single-minded push for more walls into a political crusade that opponents say is a stunt to stoke xenophobia in his right-wing voter base while willfully ignoring the border's complex realities.

For the president, who visited the Texas border with Mexico on Thursday, the border situation amounts to an invasion by criminals. Only in recent days has he begun describing the problem as "humanitarian."

Some studies show that illegal immigrants generally commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States, although not everyone agrees on this.

More certain is that while narcotics do enter the country across remote sections of the border, most are sneaked through heavily guarded checkpoints in vehicles, the government's own Drug Enforcement Administration said in a 2017 report.

'Look at the facts'

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, said money should be spent on border security but not on walls.

"We need to look at the facts," she said.

Separately, Puerto Rico's governor urged Trump to not redirect emergency funds from projects to help the storm-ravaged island to wall construction along the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;

Ricardo Rossello's plea followed reports the White House has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to look into ways to divert funds destined for natural disaster relief for the wall.

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria tore through the US territory in the Caribbean, killing some 3,000 people, causing catastrophic material damage and crippling the island's power grid.

The partial US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds.

The partial US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds. The president issued a series of tweets Saturday in an effort to defend his stance and goad Democrats to return to Washington and end what he called "the massive humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border." "Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes!" he said in one tweet, adding in another, "We will be out for a long time unless the Democrats come back from their 'vacations' and get back to work. I am in the White House ready to sign!" Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes! Call your Dem Senator or Congresswoman/man. Tell them to get it done! Humanitarian Crisis. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2019 × But most lawmakers left town on Friday and will not return before Monday, leaving little chance for any solution to the stalemate before then. The impasse has paralyzed Washington -- its impact felt increasingly around the country -- with the president retaliating by refusing to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments unrelated to the dispute. As a result, 800,000 federal employees -- workers as diverse as FBI agents, air traffic controllers and museum staff -- did not receive paychecks Friday. The shutdown became the longest on record at midnight Friday (0500 GMT Saturday), when it overtook a 21-day stretch in 1995-1996 under president Bill Clinton. Retreat from 'emergency' On Friday, however, Trump backed off a series of previous threats to end the deadlock by declaring a national emergency and attempting to secure the funds without congressional approval. "I'm not going to do it so fast," he said at a White House meeting. Trump described an emergency declaration as the "easy way out" and said Congress had to step up to the responsibility of approving the $5.7 billion he says is needed. "If they can't do it... I will declare a national emergency. I have the absolute right," he said. Until Friday, Trump had suggested numerous times that he was getting closer to taking the controversial decision. One powerful Republican ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, tweeted after talks with Trump: "Mr. President, Declare a national emergency NOW." But the president himself acknowledged in the White House meeting that an attempt to claim emergency powers would likely end up in legal battles going all the way to the Supreme Court -- as other Republicans and some of his advisers have reportedly cautioned him. Opponents say that a unilateral presidential move would be a constitutional overreach and set a dangerous precedent in similar controversies. 'Under siege' The standoff has turned into a test of political ego, particularly for Trump, who came into office boasting of his deal-making powers and making an aggressive border policy the keystone of his nationalist agenda. In two of his tweets Saturday, Trump pushed back on a media report that his White House was "chaotic" with no plan or strategy to end the shutdown. "The Fakes always like talking Chaos, there is NONE..." he tweeted. "I do have a plan on the Shutdown." "But to understand that plan you would have to understand the fact that I won the election, and I promised... a Wall at the Southern Border. Elections have consequences!" Democrats, meanwhile, seem determined at all costs to prevent the president from getting the wall he has often promised in his campaign-style rallies. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the US-Mexican border presents major challenges, ranging from the violent Mexican drug trade to the plight of asylum seekers and poor migrants seeking new lives in the world's richest country. But Trump has turned his single-minded push for more walls into a political crusade that opponents say is a stunt to stoke xenophobia in his right-wing voter base while willfully ignoring the border's complex realities. For the president, who visited the Texas border with Mexico on Thursday, the border situation amounts to an invasion by criminals. Only in recent days has he begun describing the problem as "humanitarian." Some studies show that illegal immigrants generally commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States, although not everyone agrees on this. More certain is that while narcotics do enter the country across remote sections of the border, most are sneaked through heavily guarded checkpoints in vehicles, the government's own Drug Enforcement Administration said in a 2017 report. 'Look at the facts' Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, said money should be spent on border security but not on walls. "We need to look at the facts," she said. Separately, Puerto Rico's governor urged Trump to not redirect emergency funds from projects to help the storm-ravaged island to wall construction along the US-Mexico border. Ricardo Rossello's plea followed reports the White House has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to look into ways to divert funds destined for natural disaster relief for the wall. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria tore through the US territory in the Caribbean, killing some 3,000 people, causing catastrophic material damage and crippling the island's power grid.

Democrats could solve shutdown in 15 minutes: Donald Trump

President Donald Trump said "bye-bye" and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-growing-humanitarian-and-security-crisis-at-our-southern-border-says-trump-in-televised-address-189114">stormed out of negotiations Wednesday</a> on funding a US-Mexico border wall when Democratic opponents refused to agree to the project.

"A total waste of time," Trump tweeted about his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-to-build-the-wall-trump-on-ending-shutdown-188587"> White House meeting with top</a> Democratic congressional leaders. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1083099784012091396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, told journalists Trump "sort of slammed the table," then "got up and walked out."

"Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer said.

Although the two sides agreed that the meeting ended abruptly, they argued over who was to blame.

According to supporters of Trump at the meeting, the president asked Democratic leaders whether they would agree to fund his wall project in exchange for him ending a painful shutdown of swaths of government, which he has instigated in retaliation for the standoff.

The Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, "raised her hand and said no, not at all," said Kevin McCarthy, the senior Republican in the House, who was also present.

"We heard once again that Democratic leaders are unwilling to even negotiate," Vice President Mike Pence said.

The vice president insisted that Trump came in good faith.

"The president walked into the room and passed out candy," Pence said. "I don't recall him ever raising his voice or slamming his hand."

Trump wants $5.7 billion to fund a wall he says is needed to keep out dangerous illegal immigrants, drug dealers and people smugglers from Mexico.

Democrats say the wall would have little impact on real border problems and that Trump's tough approach has instead created a humanitarian crisis among vulnerable, unthreatening migrants.

Trump's main lever to exert pressure on Congress has been to refuse signing spending bills that cover large areas of government. As a result, some 800,000 federal employees and many more contractors have now been without pay for almost three weeks.

Democrats insist they will not lift their opposition to the wall project and believe Americans will tire of the shutdown chaos and blame Trump.

But Trump indicated Wednesday on a visit to Republican allies in Congress that he will continue to play hardball.

"Whatever it takes," he told journalists, when asked how long the shutdown could continue.

Earlier at the White House, Trump told journalists that if he cannot get his way, he could declare a national emergency -- a measure that allows him to bypass Congress and take the wall funds he needs from the military.

"I think we might work a deal, and if we don't, we might go that route," he said, insisting he has the "absolute right" to declare an emergency, despite warnings in Congress that this could be seen as serious presidential overreach.

- 'American blood' speech - 
Trump's triumphant 2016 campaign relied heavily on his "build the wall" slogan and since then, he has pushed the idea that the United States is being overwhelmed by dangerous migrants who enter the country illegally.

But with Democrats winning control of the House in November midterm elections, Trump's wall push has come up against a wall of its own.

This week, an increasingly frustrated president is trying to seize the initiative.

On Thursday, he will fly down to the southern border that he described in a prime-time television speech Tuesday as an open door to murderers and other criminals.

"How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" Trump said.

"For those who refuse to compromise in the name of border security, I would ask to imagine if it was your child, your husband, or your wife whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken," he said in the nine-minute speech.

Trump claimed Wednesday that his address had been a success.

But Schumer scoffed: "I don't think he persuaded a soul with his talk last night. It was same old same old -- mistruths, divisiveness. Didn't have the effect he had hoped."

Washington is now waiting for either side to make a move -- and to see whether Trump will dare invoke emergency powers.

"Neither side feel they can cave and not pay a terrible political price," Republican Senator Marco Rubio said on Fox News.

"Unfortunately, two things caught in the middle are securing our borders, and the men and women in federal government," he added.

President Donald Trump said "bye-bye" and stormed out of negotiations Wednesday on funding a US-Mexico border wall when Democratic opponents refused to agree to the project.

President Donald Trump said "bye-bye" and stormed out of negotiations Wednesday on funding a US-Mexico border wall when Democratic opponents refused to agree to the project. "A total waste of time," Trump tweeted about his White House meeting with top Democratic congressional leaders. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2019 × Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, told journalists Trump "sort of slammed the table," then "got up and walked out." "Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer said. Although the two sides agreed that the meeting ended abruptly, they argued over who was to blame. According to supporters of Trump at the meeting, the president asked Democratic leaders whether they would agree to fund his wall project in exchange for him ending a painful shutdown of swaths of government, which he has instigated in retaliation for the standoff. The Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, "raised her hand and said no, not at all," said Kevin McCarthy, the senior Republican in the House, who was also present. "We heard once again that Democratic leaders are unwilling to even negotiate," Vice President Mike Pence said. The vice president insisted that Trump came in good faith. "The president walked into the room and passed out candy," Pence said. "I don't recall him ever raising his voice or slamming his hand." Trump wants $5.7 billion to fund a wall he says is needed to keep out dangerous illegal immigrants, drug dealers and people smugglers from Mexico. Democrats say the wall would have little impact on real border problems and that Trump's tough approach has instead created a humanitarian crisis among vulnerable, unthreatening migrants. Trump's main lever to exert pressure on Congress has been to refuse signing spending bills that cover large areas of government. As a result, some 800,000 federal employees and many more contractors have now been without pay for almost three weeks. Democrats insist they will not lift their opposition to the wall project and believe Americans will tire of the shutdown chaos and blame Trump. But Trump indicated Wednesday on a visit to Republican allies in Congress that he will continue to play hardball. "Whatever it takes," he told journalists, when asked how long the shutdown could continue. Earlier at the White House, Trump told journalists that if he cannot get his way, he could declare a national emergency -- a measure that allows him to bypass Congress and take the wall funds he needs from the military. "I think we might work a deal, and if we don't, we might go that route," he said, insisting he has the "absolute right" to declare an emergency, despite warnings in Congress that this could be seen as serious presidential overreach. - 'American blood' speech - Trump's triumphant 2016 campaign relied heavily on his "build the wall" slogan and since then, he has pushed the idea that the United States is being overwhelmed by dangerous migrants who enter the country illegally. But with Democrats winning control of the House in November midterm elections, Trump's wall push has come up against a wall of its own. This week, an increasingly frustrated president is trying to seize the initiative. On Thursday, he will fly down to the southern border that he described in a prime-time television speech Tuesday as an open door to murderers and other criminals. "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" Trump said. "For those who refuse to compromise in the name of border security, I would ask to imagine if it was your child, your husband, or your wife whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken," he said in the nine-minute speech. Trump claimed Wednesday that his address had been a success. But Schumer scoffed: "I don't think he persuaded a soul with his talk last night. It was same old same old -- mistruths, divisiveness. Didn't have the effect he had hoped." Washington is now waiting for either side to make a move -- and to see whether Trump will dare invoke emergency powers. "Neither side feel they can cave and not pay a terrible political price," Republican Senator Marco Rubio said on Fox News. "Unfortunately, two things caught in the middle are securing our borders, and the men and women in federal government," he added.

Trump walks out of meeting on border wall, says 'bye-bye' to Schumer, Pelosi

Top congressional Democrats on Tuesday accused <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-to-build-the-wall-trump-on-ending-shutdown-188587">President Donald Trump of holding Americans "hostage"</a> by refusing to strike a deal to fund shuttered government agencies and using fear mongering to justify his demand for his much-hyped border wall.

"President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis, and must re-open the government," Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a curt rebuttal to Trump's address to the nation minutes earlier, in which he declared the situation on the southern border a "crisis of the heart."

The political impasse over Trump's border wall demand — and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pence-meets-with-democratic-aides-to-discuss-shutdown-impasse-188469">the divided Congress's refusal to fund it </a>— has kept key government agencies closed for the past 18 days, with few signs that a breakthrough is imminent.

And with Democrats reclaiming the majority in the House of Representatives, Trump has lost his monopoly on congressional power that could have helped him reach an agreement with lawmakers.

About 800,000 federal workers, and many more contractors, are not being paid, but Trump said that problem could be resolved swiftly if Democrats simply "fund border security."

In a sombre appeal to the nation, Trump spoke of Americans who have been "savagely murdered in cold blood" by immigrants who crossed illegally into the United States.

"How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" he pleaded.

The Democrats rejected Trump's fear-mongering as "misinformation and even malice," with Pelosi blasting the president's "obsession with forcing American taxpayers to waste billions of dollars on an expensive and ineffective wall."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, standing with Pelosi in the US Capitol, accused Trump of throwing a "temper tantrum" over the border, where he "appealed to fear, not facts."

"No president should pound the table and demand he gets his way or else the government shuts down, hurting millions of Americans who are treated as leverage," Schumer said.

"The symbol of America should be the Statue of Liberty, not a 30-foot wall," he concluded.

Rank-and-file lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle weighed in quickly on social media, with Republicans praising Trump for outlining the facts of a national security crisis on the border and Democrats attacking him for misleading and dividing Americans.

"Throughout history, presidents have used an Oval Office address to bring the country together," tweeted Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

"Tonight, Trump used it to stoke fear and division."

The political impasse over Trump's border wall demand and the divided Congress's refusal to fund it has kept key government agencies closed for the past 18 days.

Top congressional Democrats on Tuesday accused President Donald Trump of holding Americans "hostage" by refusing to strike a deal to fund shuttered government agencies and using fear mongering to justify his demand for his much-hyped border wall. "President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis, and must re-open the government," Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a curt rebuttal to Trump's address to the nation minutes earlier, in which he declared the situation on the southern border a "crisis of the heart." The political impasse over Trump's border wall demand — and the divided Congress's refusal to fund it — has kept key government agencies closed for the past 18 days, with few signs that a breakthrough is imminent. And with Democrats reclaiming the majority in the House of Representatives, Trump has lost his monopoly on congressional power that could have helped him reach an agreement with lawmakers. About 800,000 federal workers, and many more contractors, are not being paid, but Trump said that problem could be resolved swiftly if Democrats simply "fund border security." In a sombre appeal to the nation, Trump spoke of Americans who have been "savagely murdered in cold blood" by immigrants who crossed illegally into the United States. "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" he pleaded. The Democrats rejected Trump's fear-mongering as "misinformation and even malice," with Pelosi blasting the president's "obsession with forcing American taxpayers to waste billions of dollars on an expensive and ineffective wall." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, standing with Pelosi in the US Capitol, accused Trump of throwing a "temper tantrum" over the border, where he "appealed to fear, not facts." "No president should pound the table and demand he gets his way or else the government shuts down, hurting millions of Americans who are treated as leverage," Schumer said. "The symbol of America should be the Statue of Liberty, not a 30-foot wall," he concluded. Rank-and-file lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle weighed in quickly on social media, with Republicans praising Trump for outlining the facts of a national security crisis on the border and Democrats attacking him for misleading and dividing Americans. "Throughout history, presidents have used an Oval Office address to bring the country together," tweeted Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. "Tonight, Trump used it to stoke fear and division."

Watch: Stop holding Americans hostage over shutdown, Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Trump

A Democratic congresswoman kicked off her term with an expletive-laced vow to impeach Donald Trump, testing her party's discipline and earning a chiding Friday from the president.

As a clip of Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib's animated comments circulated widely on social media, Trump tartly dismissed the threat of impeachment, while the newly elected Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared loath to reign in the congresswoman's language.

"How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time?" Trump said on Twitter, saying Democrats only consider impeachment "because they know they can't win in 2020."

At an event hours after her swearing-in on Thursday, Tlaib told supporters that "we are gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the motherfucker."

The crowd roared, and Tlaib hugged supporters.

Salty language by US lawmakers -- or presidents, for that matter -- is nothing new. Trump, hardly the paradigm of verbal decency, last year derided African nations as "shithole" countries, after all.

But when Trump was asked about his critic's comments, he said they were "disgraceful," and "highly disrespectful to the United States of America."

"I think she dishonoured herself and I think she dishonoured her family, using language like that," he added.

The timing and optics of Tlaib's outburst are notable.

Democrats have just won control of the House of Representatives, after eight years in the minority. Tlaib, 42, is one in a cadre of ebullient, media-savvy rising stars -- the self-described "radical" Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is another -- who aim to shake up Washington's status quo.

Such progressives will be eager to push back against an administration they believe has abused its authority in the nearly two years since Trump's inauguration.

Doubling down on her outburst, Tlaib -- the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress -- tweeted Friday: "I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe."

But she dodged reporters repeatedly asking about her remarks.

- No 'censorship' - 
As the chamber's new speaker, the 78-year-old Pelosi is challenged with keeping Trump -- as well as the more radical elements of her own party -- in check.

Pelosi sought to downplay Tlaib's potty mouth.

"I probably have a generational reaction to it. But in any event, I'm not in the censorship business," she said in comments aired Friday on MSNBC.

"But I don't think it's any worse than what the president has said."

Republicans have bridled at Tlaib's comments, using them to portray Democrats as seeking politically-motivated retribution against Trump rather than common ground.

"We watched a new freshman stand up, use this language, get cheered by their base, and we watched a brand new speaker say nothing to her," top House Republican Kevin McCarthy said.

"That action should not stand."

Democrats who support impeachment have argued that Trump obstructed justice by firing former FBI director James Comey, and that hush payment to at least two women made by his personal attorney during the presidential race violated campaign finance laws.

As a long-time Trump critic, Tlaib made calls for his impeachment central to her campaign -- and was once arrested for heckling the then-candidate during his White House run.

"The time for impeachment proceedings is now," she wrote in a co-authored op-ed published in the Detroit Free Press newspaper the morning of her entry into Congress.

House Democrat Brad Sherman agrees, and on Thursday formally introduced impeachment measures against Trump. They are unlikely to get a vote on the House floor, at least for now.

Even if Democrats believe some of Trump's actions clear the threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanours," Pelosi has downplayed the prospects of impeachment, saying it's "not something that I'm stirring the pot on."

She wants special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian electoral interference -- and possible collusion with Trump's campaign -- to run its course before Congress decides about taking such a serious step.

Equally pressing, Pelosi must contend with liberal Democrats seeking to pull the party leftward in the run-up to the 2020 election.

New York's Ocasio-Cortez, who last year unseated the fourth highest-ranking House Democrat in a shock primary, told the CBS show "60 Minutes" that she wants US tax rates to return to "as high as 60 or 70 per cent" for the wealthiest Americans, in order to pay for an ambitious plan to fight climate change.

A Democratic congresswoman kicked off her term with an expletive-laced vow to impeach Donald Trump, testing her party's discipline and earning a chiding Friday from the president.

A Democratic congresswoman kicked off her term with an expletive-laced vow to impeach Donald Trump, testing her party's discipline and earning a chiding Friday from the president. As a clip of Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib's animated comments circulated widely on social media, Trump tartly dismissed the threat of impeachment, while the newly elected Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared loath to reign in the congresswoman's language. "How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time?" Trump said on Twitter, saying Democrats only consider impeachment "because they know they can't win in 2020." At an event hours after her swearing-in on Thursday, Tlaib told supporters that "we are gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the motherfucker." The crowd roared, and Tlaib hugged supporters. Salty language by US lawmakers -- or presidents, for that matter -- is nothing new. Trump, hardly the paradigm of verbal decency, last year derided African nations as "shithole" countries, after all. But when Trump was asked about his critic's comments, he said they were "disgraceful," and "highly disrespectful to the United States of America." "I think she dishonoured herself and I think she dishonoured her family, using language like that," he added. The timing and optics of Tlaib's outburst are notable. Democrats have just won control of the House of Representatives, after eight years in the minority. Tlaib, 42, is one in a cadre of ebullient, media-savvy rising stars -- the self-described "radical" Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is another -- who aim to shake up Washington's status quo. Such progressives will be eager to push back against an administration they believe has abused its authority in the nearly two years since Trump's inauguration. Doubling down on her outburst, Tlaib -- the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress -- tweeted Friday: "I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe." But she dodged reporters repeatedly asking about her remarks. - No 'censorship' - As the chamber's new speaker, the 78-year-old Pelosi is challenged with keeping Trump -- as well as the more radical elements of her own party -- in check. Pelosi sought to downplay Tlaib's potty mouth. "I probably have a generational reaction to it. But in any event, I'm not in the censorship business," she said in comments aired Friday on MSNBC. "But I don't think it's any worse than what the president has said." Republicans have bridled at Tlaib's comments, using them to portray Democrats as seeking politically-motivated retribution against Trump rather than common ground. "We watched a new freshman stand up, use this language, get cheered by their base, and we watched a brand new speaker say nothing to her," top House Republican Kevin McCarthy said. "That action should not stand." Democrats who support impeachment have argued that Trump obstructed justice by firing former FBI director James Comey, and that hush payment to at least two women made by his personal attorney during the presidential race violated campaign finance laws. As a long-time Trump critic, Tlaib made calls for his impeachment central to her campaign -- and was once arrested for heckling the then-candidate during his White House run. "The time for impeachment proceedings is now," she wrote in a co-authored op-ed published in the Detroit Free Press newspaper the morning of her entry into Congress. House Democrat Brad Sherman agrees, and on Thursday formally introduced impeachment measures against Trump. They are unlikely to get a vote on the House floor, at least for now. Even if Democrats believe some of Trump's actions clear the threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanours," Pelosi has downplayed the prospects of impeachment, saying it's "not something that I'm stirring the pot on." She wants special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian electoral interference -- and possible collusion with Trump's campaign -- to run its course before Congress decides about taking such a serious step. Equally pressing, Pelosi must contend with liberal Democrats seeking to pull the party leftward in the run-up to the 2020 election. New York's Ocasio-Cortez, who last year unseated the fourth highest-ranking House Democrat in a shock primary, told the CBS show "60 Minutes" that she wants US tax rates to return to "as high as 60 or 70 per cent" for the wealthiest Americans, in order to pay for an ambitious plan to fight climate change.

Trump slams 'disgraceful' Democrat's profane impeachment vow

A defiant President Donald Trump said Friday he was prepared to keep the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-congress-leaders-set-to-huddle-on-border-wall-government-shutdown-188197">US government shut down</a> for as long as it takes -- months or even years -- to force Congress to provide billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico.

"This is national security we're talking about. We're not playing games," Trump said following another round of talks at the White House with Democratic leaders on ending the two-week impasse which has shut about 25 per cent of the government.

"The southern border is a dangerous, horrible disaster," he said, decrying illegal immigration, drug smuggling and human trafficking.

"We have to get a structure built," Trump said, calling on Congress to approve his $5.6 billion requests for a "major powerful barrier" made of concrete or steel.

Trump also claimed that some previous US presidents had told him they should have built a wall. None of Trump's predecessors has ever publicly advocated such a thing.

Describing the situation as a "national emergency," Trump said he was looking into ways to get a wall built without congressional approval. "I may do it," he said. "I am allowed to do that."

Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said Democrats had urged Trump during what he called a "sometimes contentious" meeting to reopen the federal government, which has been partially shut down since December 22 leaving 800,000 employees furloughed or working without pay.&nbsp;

A handful of those employees held a roadside protest in Maryland on Friday, saying they want to get back to work, WTOP radio reported.

"We told the president we needed the government open," Schumer said. "He resisted. In fact, he said he'd keep the government closed for a very long period of time. Months or even years."

Asked by reporters whether this was true, Trump said it was although he added that he hoped the shutdown "doesn't go on even beyond a few more days."

"I will do whatever we have to do," Trump said. "If we have to stay out for a very long period of time we will do that."

Talks over the weekend

Trump said a bipartisan group including Vice President Mike Pence would meet over the weekend to try to reach an agreement.

"Our aim will be to find a solution, not just simply to end the government shutdown, to provide funding to end the crisis at our southern border, to achieve real border security and to build a wall on our southern border," Pence said.

A quick end to the stalemate does not appear to be in sight, however, as Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, seem in no mood to make concessions.

"We are committed to keeping our borders safe," Nancy Pelosi, who took over as speaker of the House on Thursday, told reporters following the meeting with the president.

But, Pelosi added, "we recognize on the Democratic side that we really cannot resolve this until we open up government.

"And we made that very clear to the president," she said. "Services are being withheld from the American people. Paychecks are being withheld."

Both Democrats and Republicans have attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown on the other side and Pelosi has ruled out funding for a border wall she has described as an "immorality."

Shortly after the new Congress was sworn in on Thursday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-bills-that-would-end-government-shutdown-without-wall-funds-188145">House approved legislation to fund homeland security operations</a> until February 8 and several other agencies through September -- but no money for a wall.

Trump has said he would veto any bill that does not include funding for the barrier and the Republican-run Senate has said it would not consider anything that does not pass muster with the president.

The fight over the wall is setting the stage for what could be a tumultuous final two years in office for Trump faced with a hostile Democratic-controlled House equipped with investigative powers.

Some newly seated Democrats have even called for impeachment proceedings against the Republican president although Pelosi has distanced herself from those appeals for the time being.

"We talked about (impeachment) today," Trump said. "Nancy said 'We're not looking to impeach you.'"

Trump also sought to defend his record saying "you don't impeach people when they're doing a good job."

'We have to get a structure built,' Trump said, calling on Congress to approve his $5.6 billion requests for a 'major powerful barrier' made of concrete or steel.

A defiant President Donald Trump said Friday he was prepared to keep the US government shut down for as long as it takes -- months or even years -- to force Congress to provide billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico. "This is national security we're talking about. We're not playing games," Trump said following another round of talks at the White House with Democratic leaders on ending the two-week impasse which has shut about 25 per cent of the government. "The southern border is a dangerous, horrible disaster," he said, decrying illegal immigration, drug smuggling and human trafficking. "We have to get a structure built," Trump said, calling on Congress to approve his $5.6 billion requests for a "major powerful barrier" made of concrete or steel. Trump also claimed that some previous US presidents had told him they should have built a wall. None of Trump's predecessors has ever publicly advocated such a thing. Describing the situation as a "national emergency," Trump said he was looking into ways to get a wall built without congressional approval. "I may do it," he said. "I am allowed to do that." Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said Democrats had urged Trump during what he called a "sometimes contentious" meeting to reopen the federal government, which has been partially shut down since December 22 leaving 800,000 employees furloughed or working without pay. A handful of those employees held a roadside protest in Maryland on Friday, saying they want to get back to work, WTOP radio reported. "We told the president we needed the government open," Schumer said. "He resisted. In fact, he said he'd keep the government closed for a very long period of time. Months or even years." Asked by reporters whether this was true, Trump said it was although he added that he hoped the shutdown "doesn't go on even beyond a few more days." "I will do whatever we have to do," Trump said. "If we have to stay out for a very long period of time we will do that." Talks over the weekend Trump said a bipartisan group including Vice President Mike Pence would meet over the weekend to try to reach an agreement. "Our aim will be to find a solution, not just simply to end the government shutdown, to provide funding to end the crisis at our southern border, to achieve real border security and to build a wall on our southern border," Pence said. A quick end to the stalemate does not appear to be in sight, however, as Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, seem in no mood to make concessions. "We are committed to keeping our borders safe," Nancy Pelosi, who took over as speaker of the House on Thursday, told reporters following the meeting with the president. But, Pelosi added, "we recognize on the Democratic side that we really cannot resolve this until we open up government. "And we made that very clear to the president," she said. "Services are being withheld from the American people. Paychecks are being withheld." Both Democrats and Republicans have attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown on the other side and Pelosi has ruled out funding for a border wall she has described as an "immorality." Shortly after the new Congress was sworn in on Thursday, the House approved legislation to fund homeland security operations until February 8 and several other agencies through September -- but no money for a wall. Trump has said he would veto any bill that does not include funding for the barrier and the Republican-run Senate has said it would not consider anything that does not pass muster with the president. The fight over the wall is setting the stage for what could be a tumultuous final two years in office for Trump faced with a hostile Democratic-controlled House equipped with investigative powers. Some newly seated Democrats have even called for impeachment proceedings against the Republican president although Pelosi has distanced herself from those appeals for the time being. "We talked about (impeachment) today," Trump said. "Nancy said 'We're not looking to impeach you.'" Trump also sought to defend his record saying "you don't impeach people when they're doing a good job."

Ready to shut government for months or even years: Trump

As the US government shutdown continued <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/not-concerned-about-being-impeached-trump-183372">with impeachment fears</a> hanging in the air, President Trump in a tweet said the Democrats want&nbsp;to impeach him because they can't win the next US elections.

"They only want to impeach me because they know they can’t win in 2020," the president said, adding,"As I have stated many times, if the Democrats take over the House or Senate, there will be disruption to the financial markets. We won the Senate, they won the House. Things will settle down."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
As I have stated many times, if the Democrats take over the House or Senate, there will be disruption to the Financial Markets. We won the Senate, they won the House. Things will settle down. They only want to impeach me because they know they can’t win in 2020, too much success!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1081175076727345152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump's latest jibe at the Democrats comes as Democrat Nancy Pelosi, 78, was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as the party took majority control of the House.

The Democrats have vowed to open new fronts against the US president including in-depth investigations of his administration.

However, a defiant Trump said: "How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time, done nothing wrong (no Collusion with Russia, it was the Dems that colluded), had the most successful first two years of any president," adding further that "and is the most popular Republican in party history 93%?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time, done nothing wrong (no Collusion with Russia, it was the Dems that Colluded), had the most successful first two years of any president, and is the most popular Republican in party history 93%?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1081177511592108032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The US Congress is still divided over Trump's Mexico border wall as the shutdown of the government agencies which began on December 21st entered the third&nbsp;week in Washington.

Both parties failed to reach an agreement which affects nine cabinet-level departments and several agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, transportation, interior, agriculture, state and justice, as well as national parks and forests.

The House of Representatives was set to vote on the latest funding bill on Thursday afternoon to end the government shutdown, but put it off till Friday. The Democrats said the new bill will exclude Trump's request for $5 billion for funding US-Mexico border wall.

President Trump is set to convene a meeting on Saturday to discuss the border wall budget and find a way to end the partial shutdown of US government agencies.

As the US government shutdown continued with impeachment fears hanging in the air, President Trump in a tweet said the Democrats want to impeach him because they can't win the next US elections.

As the US government shutdown continued with impeachment fears hanging in the air, President Trump in a tweet said the Democrats want to impeach him because they can't win the next US elections. "They only want to impeach me because they know they can’t win in 2020," the president said, adding,"As I have stated many times, if the Democrats take over the House or Senate, there will be disruption to the financial markets. We won the Senate, they won the House. Things will settle down." As I have stated many times, if the Democrats take over the House or Senate, there will be disruption to the Financial Markets. We won the Senate, they won the House. Things will settle down. They only want to impeach me because they know they can’t win in 2020, too much success! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2019 × Trump's latest jibe at the Democrats comes as Democrat Nancy Pelosi, 78, was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as the party took majority control of the House. The Democrats have vowed to open new fronts against the US president including in-depth investigations of his administration. However, a defiant Trump said: "How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time, done nothing wrong (no Collusion with Russia, it was the Dems that colluded), had the most successful first two years of any president," adding further that "and is the most popular Republican in party history 93%?" How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time, done nothing wrong (no Collusion with Russia, it was the Dems that Colluded), had the most successful first two years of any president, and is the most popular Republican in party history 93%? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2019 × The US Congress is still divided over Trump's Mexico border wall as the shutdown of the government agencies which began on December 21st entered the third week in Washington. Both parties failed to reach an agreement which affects nine cabinet-level departments and several agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, transportation, interior, agriculture, state and justice, as well as national parks and forests. The House of Representatives was set to vote on the latest funding bill on Thursday afternoon to end the government shutdown, but put it off till Friday. The Democrats said the new bill will exclude Trump's request for $5 billion for funding US-Mexico border wall. President Trump is set to convene a meeting on Saturday to discuss the border wall budget and find a way to end the partial shutdown of US government agencies.

Democrats want to impeach me because they know they can’t win 2020 elections, tweets Trump

The United States' <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-elects-democrat-nancy-pelosi-to-be-speaker-for-2019-2020-188126">newly-elected Speaker</a> in the House of Representatives on Thursday invited the country's president to deliver his second State of the Union address on January 29.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to President Donald Trump hours after reaching 220 votes to become the new House speaker, a position she also held between 2007 and 2011.

"In the spirit of our Constitution, I invite you to deliver your State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in the House Chamber," the letter Pelosi posted on Twitter said.

The Democrat said the Constitution established the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government to be co-equal checks and balances on each other and asks that the president "from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union.”

Trump delivered his first State of the Union address on January 30, 2018, a tradition in which the president assesses the country's situation each year before Congress and presents his priorities.

This time the president would address a Congress in which the Democrats have regained control of the House, while the Republicans hold the majority in the Senate.

The appearance would take place with a political atmosphere marked by partial government shutdown, ongoing since December 22.

The United States' newly-elected Speaker in the House of Representatives on Thursday invited the country's president to deliver his second State of the Union address on January 29.

The United States' newly-elected Speaker in the House of Representatives on Thursday invited the country's president to deliver his second State of the Union address on January 29. Democrat Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to President Donald Trump hours after reaching 220 votes to become the new House speaker, a position she also held between 2007 and 2011. "In the spirit of our Constitution, I invite you to deliver your State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in the House Chamber," the letter Pelosi posted on Twitter said. The Democrat said the Constitution established the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government to be co-equal checks and balances on each other and asks that the president "from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union.” Trump delivered his first State of the Union address on January 30, 2018, a tradition in which the president assesses the country's situation each year before Congress and presents his priorities. This time the president would address a Congress in which the Democrats have regained control of the House, while the Republicans hold the majority in the Senate. The appearance would take place with a political atmosphere marked by partial government shutdown, ongoing since December 22.

Pelosi invites Trump to deliver State of the Union address

WION Speed News: Watch top international news of the day, January 4th, 2019

US house elects Nancy Pelosi as its speaker

Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as her party took majority control of the chamber following its election victory last Nov. 6.

This marks Pelosi's second stint as speaker. She was the first woman ever to hold the job, serving from 2007 until 2011, when Republicans began an eight-year run in the House majority.

Pelosi received 220 votes for speaker, while Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy got 192 votes. A smattering of others received the remaining votes in the chamber that holds 435 seats.

The election puts Pelosi in position to lead the opposition to President Donald Trump's agenda and to conduct in-depth investigations of his administration following two years during which Republicans have mainly given him a free pass.

Pelosi, 78, was first elected to the House in 1987 and has pledged to push legislation that would spark large federal investments in infrastructure projects that Trump also has expressed an interest in tackling.

But Pelosi's Democrats and Trump's Republicans have taken vastly different approaches to rebuilding the nation's bridges, roadways, airports and other public works projects that also would spark job creation.

During last year's congressional campaigns Pelosi also talked about the need to improve Congress' ethics rules and to pass legislation to lessen the influence of large corporate donations in congressional elections.

Pelosi, a liberal who represents San Francisco, will lead a House with 235 Democrats, 199 Republicans and one seat in North Carolina still being contested.

Besides her legislative agenda, Pelosi has made clear that the House's Democratic-run committees will conduct in-depth oversight of Trump administration officials and likely would attempt to get the president's recent tax returns as part of House investigations into his business dealings.

Some of Pelosi's Democrats already have hinted that these oversight investigations could lead to impeachment proceedings against Trump, depending on the findings of committee hearings and special counsel Robert Mueller's separate findings from his investigation into the 2016 presidential election and Russian interference.

As House speaker, Pelosi will set the legislative agenda for the House, is a leading figure in Democratic Party politics and is second in line for the presidency after Vice President Mike Pence if Trump were to become incapacitated.

Republicans maintain control of the Senate by a margin of 53-47 for the next two years.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as her party took majority control of the chamber following its election victory last Nov.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as her party took majority control of the chamber following its election victory last Nov. 6. This marks Pelosi's second stint as speaker. She was the first woman ever to hold the job, serving from 2007 until 2011, when Republicans began an eight-year run in the House majority. Pelosi received 220 votes for speaker, while Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy got 192 votes. A smattering of others received the remaining votes in the chamber that holds 435 seats. The election puts Pelosi in position to lead the opposition to President Donald Trump's agenda and to conduct in-depth investigations of his administration following two years during which Republicans have mainly given him a free pass. Pelosi, 78, was first elected to the House in 1987 and has pledged to push legislation that would spark large federal investments in infrastructure projects that Trump also has expressed an interest in tackling. But Pelosi's Democrats and Trump's Republicans have taken vastly different approaches to rebuilding the nation's bridges, roadways, airports and other public works projects that also would spark job creation. During last year's congressional campaigns Pelosi also talked about the need to improve Congress' ethics rules and to pass legislation to lessen the influence of large corporate donations in congressional elections. Pelosi, a liberal who represents San Francisco, will lead a House with 235 Democrats, 199 Republicans and one seat in North Carolina still being contested. Besides her legislative agenda, Pelosi has made clear that the House's Democratic-run committees will conduct in-depth oversight of Trump administration officials and likely would attempt to get the president's recent tax returns as part of House investigations into his business dealings. Some of Pelosi's Democrats already have hinted that these oversight investigations could lead to impeachment proceedings against Trump, depending on the findings of committee hearings and special counsel Robert Mueller's separate findings from his investigation into the 2016 presidential election and Russian interference. As House speaker, Pelosi will set the legislative agenda for the House, is a leading figure in Democratic Party politics and is second in line for the presidency after Vice President Mike Pence if Trump were to become incapacitated. Republicans maintain control of the Senate by a margin of 53-47 for the next two years.

US House elects Democrat Nancy Pelosi to be speaker for 2019-2020

In pics: Trump, Pelosi era could see fireworks in Washington

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-kill-at-least-28-in-raid-on-afghan-government-building-186252">Gunmen kill at least 28 in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-kill-at-least-28-in-raid-on-afghan-government-building-186252">raid</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-kill-at-least-28-in-raid-on-afghan-government-building-186252"> on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-kill-at-least-28-in-raid-on-afghan-government-building-186252">Afghan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-kill-at-least-28-in-raid-on-afghan-government-building-186252"> government building</a>

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-markets-slump-trump-calls-fed-only-problem-in-us-economy-186249">Trump attacks US central bank, says it is 'only problem' in economy</a>

President Donald Trump blasted the Federal Reserve on Monday, describing it as the "only problem" for the US economy, as top officials convened to discuss the growing rout in stock markets caused in part by the president's attacks on the central bank.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-say-trump-plunging-country-into-chaos-with-multiple-crises-186247">'Trump is plunging the country into chaos'</a>

US Democratic leaders charged Monday that President Donald Trump was "plunging the country into chaos" with multiple crises and said he was offering no way to end a government shutdown.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250">Modi to inaugurate India's longest </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250">rail-road</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250"> bridge today in Assam</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Bogibeel will be the country longest rail-road bridge.&nbsp;

The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel will be flagged off by Modi.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/on-christmas-pope-assails-insatiable-greed-of-todays-consumerism-186257">On Christmas, Pope assails 'insatiable greed' of today's consumerism</a>

Pope Francis assailed the "insatiable greed" of today's consumerism at the Vatican and pilgrims crowded into the church at the traditional site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem on Tuesday as Christmas celebrations began worldwide.

Gunmen kill at least 28 in raid on Afghan government building Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said.

Gunmen kill at least 28 in raid on Afghan government building Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said. Trump attacks US central bank, says it is 'only problem' in economy President Donald Trump blasted the Federal Reserve on Monday, describing it as the "only problem" for the US economy, as top officials convened to discuss the growing rout in stock markets caused in part by the president's attacks on the central bank. 'Trump is plunging the country into chaos' US Democratic leaders charged Monday that President Donald Trump was "plunging the country into chaos" with multiple crises and said he was offering no way to end a government shutdown. Modi to inaugurate India's longest rail-road bridge today in Assam Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Bogibeel will be the country longest rail-road bridge. The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel will be flagged off by Modi. On Christmas, Pope assails 'insatiable greed' of today's consumerism Pope Francis assailed the "insatiable greed" of today's consumerism at the Vatican and pilgrims crowded into the church at the traditional site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem on Tuesday as Christmas celebrations began worldwide.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A safety panel set up by US President Donald Trump in the wake of numerous school shootings recommended Tuesday that schools consider arming staff, using veterans as guards and reversing Obama-era guidelines.

The Federal Commission on School Safety panel, led by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, was set up after the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/enough-us-students-stage-walkout-against-gun-violence-35864"> February massacre</a> in Parkland, Florida, when a former student shot dead 17 people, sparking mass gun control protests.

The commission rejected calls to increase the minimum age required for gun purchases, arguing in its 180-page report that most school shooters obtain their weapons from family members or friends.

Instead, it suggested arming staff — even teachers in some circumstances — "for the sake of effectively and immediately responding to violence."&nbsp;

School districts where police responses could be slower, such as rural districts, may benefit in particular, the commission said.

It also recommended education authorities hiring military veterans and former police officers who "can also serve as highly effective educators."

The report pushes for a review of disciplinary guidelines introduced in 2014 under former president Barack Obama, which suggested alternatives to suspension and expulsion to tackle discrimination against black and Latino students.

The commission's report said the measure has had "a strong negative impact on school discipline and safety."

The American Civil Liberties Union condemned that proposition.

"The Trump administration is exploiting tragedies to justify rolling back school children's civil rights protections, despite the lack of any evidence linking school discipline reform to school shootings," it said in a statement.

Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi, who will be US House speaker when her party take over the chamber in January, criticized the report saying Trump and DeVos "have reached a new low."

"Their 'report' on school safety puts special interests and the NRA ahead of protecting America’s school children. Students &amp; parents have had #Enough," Pelosi wrote on Twitter.

She drew a backlash from Ryan Petty, a gun enthusiast and school safety advocate whose 14-year-old daughter was killed in the Parkland massacre.

"Hi @NancyPelosi, it's easy to be a critic. Harder to create. Would you sit down with Parkland families to discuss the report?," Petty wrote on Twitter.

"We worked hard to ensure this report addresses top school safety priorities. It's painful for us when you dismiss it without basis in fact," he added.

Over 219,000 US students have been involved in a school shooting since the April 1999 Columbine High School massacre, according to figures collated by the Washington Post.

A safety panel set up by US President Donald Trump in the wake of numerous school shootings recommended Tuesday that schools consider arming staff, using veterans as guards and reversing Obama-era guidelines.

A safety panel set up by US President Donald Trump in the wake of numerous school shootings recommended Tuesday that schools consider arming staff, using veterans as guards and reversing Obama-era guidelines. The Federal Commission on School Safety panel, led by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, was set up after the February massacre in Parkland, Florida, when a former student shot dead 17 people, sparking mass gun control protests. The commission rejected calls to increase the minimum age required for gun purchases, arguing in its 180-page report that most school shooters obtain their weapons from family members or friends. Instead, it suggested arming staff — even teachers in some circumstances — "for the sake of effectively and immediately responding to violence." School districts where police responses could be slower, such as rural districts, may benefit in particular, the commission said. It also recommended education authorities hiring military veterans and former police officers who "can also serve as highly effective educators." The report pushes for a review of disciplinary guidelines introduced in 2014 under former president Barack Obama, which suggested alternatives to suspension and expulsion to tackle discrimination against black and Latino students. The commission's report said the measure has had "a strong negative impact on school discipline and safety." The American Civil Liberties Union condemned that proposition. "The Trump administration is exploiting tragedies to justify rolling back school children's civil rights protections, despite the lack of any evidence linking school discipline reform to school shootings," it said in a statement. Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi, who will be US House speaker when her party take over the chamber in January, criticized the report saying Trump and DeVos "have reached a new low." "Their 'report' on school safety puts special interests and the NRA ahead of protecting America’s school children. Students & parents have had #Enough," Pelosi wrote on Twitter. She drew a backlash from Ryan Petty, a gun enthusiast and school safety advocate whose 14-year-old daughter was killed in the Parkland massacre. "Hi @NancyPelosi, it's easy to be a critic. Harder to create. Would you sit down with Parkland families to discuss the report?," Petty wrote on Twitter. "We worked hard to ensure this report addresses top school safety priorities. It's painful for us when you dismiss it without basis in fact," he added. Over 219,000 US students have been involved in a school shooting since the April 1999 Columbine High School massacre, according to figures collated by the Washington Post.

US federal panel suggests guns in schools, veterans as guards to keep US students safe

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-spars-with-chuck-schumer-nancy-pelosi-over-us-mexico-border-wall-183392">Veteran Democrat </a>Nancy Pelosi took a step Wednesday toward regaining her old job as powerful speaker of the US House of Representatives.

She did so by winning over a group of renegades in the chamber with a pledge to serve only until 2022.&nbsp;

The vote will take place on January 3, when the new House takes power under Democrats who ended Republican control of the chamber in November's mid-term elections.&nbsp;

The new assortment of lawmakers features more women and minorities and also a slew of younger representatives.

Pelosi, 78 and considered a master tactician and fund-raiser, held the job of the speaker from 2007 to 2011. She was the first woman to do so.

With a new-look chamber about to get operating, some lawmakers have been complaining for weeks that Pelosi represents the old guard.

By February 15, Democrats in the House will vote on setting term limits for senior leadership positions, Pelosi said Wednesday.

"I am comfortable with the proposal and it is my intention to abide by it whether it passes or not," she said in a statement. For her, it would mean she could serve as speaker until 2022.

A half-dozen lawmakers who had raised questions about Pelosi getting the job again said later that they would support her now.

The speaker is second in line to the presidency, after the vice president.

If she is confirmed as speaker Pelosi would lead a robust new opposition to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-cohen-liar-after-his-sentencing-report-183616">President Donald Trump</a>. Republicans still control the Senate.

The legislature promises to be full of fireworks as seen Tuesday, when what was supposed to be a White House photo opportunity session bringing together Pelosi, Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer escalated into a feisty exchange on Trump's proposed border wall, as television cameras rolled.

Veteran Democrat Nancy Pelosi took a step Wednesday toward regaining her old job as powerful speaker of the US House of Representatives. She did so by winning over a group of renegades in the chamber with a pledge to serve only until 2022.

Veteran Democrat Nancy Pelosi took a step Wednesday toward regaining her old job as powerful speaker of the US House of Representatives. She did so by winning over a group of renegades in the chamber with a pledge to serve only until 2022. The vote will take place on January 3, when the new House takes power under Democrats who ended Republican control of the chamber in November's mid-term elections. The new assortment of lawmakers features more women and minorities and also a slew of younger representatives. Pelosi, 78 and considered a master tactician and fund-raiser, held the job of the speaker from 2007 to 2011. She was the first woman to do so. With a new-look chamber about to get operating, some lawmakers have been complaining for weeks that Pelosi represents the old guard. By February 15, Democrats in the House will vote on setting term limits for senior leadership positions, Pelosi said Wednesday. "I am comfortable with the proposal and it is my intention to abide by it whether it passes or not," she said in a statement. For her, it would mean she could serve as speaker until 2022. A half-dozen lawmakers who had raised questions about Pelosi getting the job again said later that they would support her now. The speaker is second in line to the presidency, after the vice president. If she is confirmed as speaker Pelosi would lead a robust new opposition to President Donald Trump. Republicans still control the Senate. The legislature promises to be full of fireworks as seen Tuesday, when what was supposed to be a White House photo opportunity session bringing together Pelosi, Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer escalated into a feisty exchange on Trump's proposed border wall, as television cameras rolled.

Pelosi agrees to term limit to seal US House speaker job

Trump spars with top Democrats in Oval Office over border wall

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will soon notify Congress that he plans to end the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-trudeau-and-enrique-pena-sign-mexico-canada-agreement-replace-nafta-180510">NAFTA agreement </a>with Mexico and Canada in favour of a new regional trade deal, setting up a potential clash on Capitol Hill.

Trump, travelling home from a G20 summit in Argentina, told reporters aboard Air Force One that he would give formal notice to Congress on "terminating" NAFTA "within a relatively short period of time."

That would trigger a six-month waiting period before the US could leave the pact during that time, US lawmakers would be asked to approve the new deal signed on Friday with America's neighbours.

Trump says the new pact is known in Washington as the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-mexico-reach-nafta-deal-as-pressure-turns-to-canada-161949"> US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)</a> will help US workers, especially in the auto industry, and better safeguard intellectual property.

'We get rid of NAFTA. It's been a disaster for the United States,'&nbsp;said Trump, who insisted that the North American Free Trade Agreement, in place for nearly a quarter-century, was a killer of American jobs.

'That'll be terminated so Congress will have a choice of the USMCA or pre-NAFTA, which worked very well,'&nbsp;the Republican president said.

The signing of USMCA was a victory for Trump, following months of tense and difficult negotiations with Ottawa and Mexico City.

Trump said Friday that he did not foresee a problem with getting congressional approval, but some Democrats who will control the US House of Representatives as of January have expressed skepticism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-seen-closing-in-on-us-house-speakership-179832">Nancy Pelosi</a>, the frontrunner to regain her position as Speaker of the House, on Friday called the deal a 'work in progress.'

'What isn't in it yet are enough enforcement reassurances regarding workers'&nbsp;and the environment, she told a press conference.

'This is not something that we have a piece of paper where we can say yes or no to it,' said Pelosi, who added that Mexico had not yet passed a law on wages and working conditions.

The new deal also requires legislative approval in Canada and Mexico.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will soon notify Congress that he plans to end the NAFTA agreement with Mexico and Canada in favour of a new regional trade deal, setting up a potential clash on Capitol Hill.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will soon notify Congress that he plans to end the NAFTA agreement with Mexico and Canada in favour of a new regional trade deal, setting up a potential clash on Capitol Hill. Trump, travelling home from a G20 summit in Argentina, told reporters aboard Air Force One that he would give formal notice to Congress on "terminating" NAFTA "within a relatively short period of time." That would trigger a six-month waiting period before the US could leave the pact during that time, US lawmakers would be asked to approve the new deal signed on Friday with America's neighbours. Trump says the new pact is known in Washington as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will help US workers, especially in the auto industry, and better safeguard intellectual property. 'We get rid of NAFTA. It's been a disaster for the United States,' said Trump, who insisted that the North American Free Trade Agreement, in place for nearly a quarter-century, was a killer of American jobs. 'That'll be terminated so Congress will have a choice of the USMCA or pre-NAFTA, which worked very well,' the Republican president said. The signing of USMCA was a victory for Trump, following months of tense and difficult negotiations with Ottawa and Mexico City. Trump said Friday that he did not foresee a problem with getting congressional approval, but some Democrats who will control the US House of Representatives as of January have expressed skepticism. Nancy Pelosi, the frontrunner to regain her position as Speaker of the House, on Friday called the deal a 'work in progress.' 'What isn't in it yet are enough enforcement reassurances regarding workers' and the environment, she told a press conference. 'This is not something that we have a piece of paper where we can say yes or no to it,' said Pelosi, who added that Mexico had not yet passed a law on wages and working conditions. The new deal also requires legislative approval in Canada and Mexico.

Trump says will formally terminate NAFTA soon

Nancy Pelosi was expected on Wednesday to become the Democratic nominee for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, giving her the inside track to reclaim the House's top job in January, unless critics in her own party block her.

The 78-year-old San Francisco liberal, a frequent target of Republican critics, faces a small faction of Democrats who are refusing to back her for the post in which she made history from 2007 to 2011 as the first woman speaker.

Manoeuvring to win over her opponents, Pelosi was set to meet on Tuesday with Democratic members of a bipartisan group known as the Problem Solvers Caucus. They want Pelosi, currently the House Democratic leader, to back reforms in how the House operates.

With a record of achievement that includes passage of 2010's Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, Pelosi argues she is still best qualified to be the speaker, rejecting critics' demands for new, younger leadership.

No one has stepped forward to directly challenge her in Wednesday's closed-door party election. If she wins, she will become the party's nominee to be the speaker for 2019-2020.

Some Democrats are trying to set conditions on their support. In the January election, Pelosi will need a majority of those casting ballots in the 435-member House, with both parties voting publicly.

Voters in the Nov. 6 congressional elections took away the Republicans' House majority and handed it to Democrats in a contest widely seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump. His fellow Republicans added to their Senate majority.

Nine Democratic Problem Solvers urged Pelosi on Monday to publicly support rule changes they said would "help break the gridlock and pass meaningful legislation to fix health care, immigration and infrastructure."

A senior Democratic aide said House Democratic leaders had embraced some of the proposals - such as promising timely votes on bills with the backing of three-fifths of the House.

An additional 16 Democrats signed a letter last week saying they believed "the time has come for new leadership in our caucus." At least one, Representative Brian Higgins, has since changed his mind.

Recently elected California Democrat Gil Cisneros announced Monday he would not back Pelosi, saying he had to keep his campaign promise to support new leadership.

But another freshman Democrat who campaigned on the need for generational change in the party, Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, said Tuesday she would back Pelosi.

"You can't beat someone with no one," she said.

Nancy Pelosi was expected on Wednesday to become the Democratic nominee for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, giving her the inside track to reclaim the House's top job in January, unless critics in her own party block her.

Nancy Pelosi was expected on Wednesday to become the Democratic nominee for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, giving her the inside track to reclaim the House's top job in January, unless critics in her own party block her. The 78-year-old San Francisco liberal, a frequent target of Republican critics, faces a small faction of Democrats who are refusing to back her for the post in which she made history from 2007 to 2011 as the first woman speaker. Manoeuvring to win over her opponents, Pelosi was set to meet on Tuesday with Democratic members of a bipartisan group known as the Problem Solvers Caucus. They want Pelosi, currently the House Democratic leader, to back reforms in how the House operates. With a record of achievement that includes passage of 2010's Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, Pelosi argues she is still best qualified to be the speaker, rejecting critics' demands for new, younger leadership. No one has stepped forward to directly challenge her in Wednesday's closed-door party election. If she wins, she will become the party's nominee to be the speaker for 2019-2020. Some Democrats are trying to set conditions on their support. In the January election, Pelosi will need a majority of those casting ballots in the 435-member House, with both parties voting publicly. Voters in the Nov. 6 congressional elections took away the Republicans' House majority and handed it to Democrats in a contest widely seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump. His fellow Republicans added to their Senate majority. Nine Democratic Problem Solvers urged Pelosi on Monday to publicly support rule changes they said would "help break the gridlock and pass meaningful legislation to fix health care, immigration and infrastructure." A senior Democratic aide said House Democratic leaders had embraced some of the proposals - such as promising timely votes on bills with the backing of three-fifths of the House. An additional 16 Democrats signed a letter last week saying they believed "the time has come for new leadership in our caucus." At least one, Representative Brian Higgins, has since changed his mind. Recently elected California Democrat Gil Cisneros announced Monday he would not back Pelosi, saying he had to keep his campaign promise to support new leadership. But another freshman Democrat who campaigned on the need for generational change in the party, Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, said Tuesday she would back Pelosi. "You can't beat someone with no one," she said.

Nancy Pelosi seen closing in on US House speakership

Nancy Pelosi, working to reclaim the top job in the US House of Representatives, has called for the creation of a new leadership post in a move that could make room for younger lawmakers in the upper echelons of the House Democrats.

The 78-year-old San Francisco liberal and current House Democratic leader is fighting hard to regain the job of speaker after the November 6 elections in which Democrats gained a majority in the 435-member chamber.

Pelosi previously held the post in 2007-2011 when she made history as the first woman speaker. But a handful of fellow Democrats have opposed her taking up the job again, saying the party needs new, younger leadership when the new Congress convenes in January.

In a letter to current and incoming House Democrats late on Tuesday, Pelosi called for creation of an additional committee post in House leadership ranks, focused on policy and communications.

"This enhancement ... will position House Democrats to best take advantage of the new size and diversity of our Caucus," Pelosi wrote.&nbsp; 
The House Democrats` other current top leaders are No. 2 Steny Hoyer and No. 3 James Clyburn, both also in their late 70s. The two have said they plan run for top spots, Hoyer as majority leader and Clyburn as majority whip.

While 16 Democrats have threatened to join Republicans and vote against Pelosi in January when the House elects a speaker, no Democrat has openly issued a challenge to her. On Tuesday, she won the backing of one potential challenger, fellow Democrat Marcia Fudge.

Democratic former President Barack Obama, a highly influential figure in the party, called Pelosi "one of the most effective legislative leaders that this country`s ever seen" in an interview with podcast "The Axe Files" released on Tuesday.

Representative Jim Himes, in a CNN interview on Wednesday, said fellow Democrats have a right to consider alternative leaders but added the party should unite once that plays out.

"If it doesn`t work: Stop. Allow us to unify, allow us to move forward," Himes said, adding he would not yet announce who he was supporting for the speaker role.

House Democrats elected to the next Congress are scheduled to meet on November 28 to pick their leaders and nominee for speaker. The full House will vote in early January on the speaker position.

In her letter, Pelosi acknowledged the expanding Democratic caucus and said the new position would be in addition to three current co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee: Representatives Cheri Bustos, David Cicilline and Hakeem Jeffries.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans retained their majority in the Senate in this month`s elections.&nbsp;

Nancy Pelosi, working to reclaim the top job in the US House of Representatives, has called for the creation of a new leadership post in a move that could make room for younger lawmakers in the upper echelons of the House Democrats.

Nancy Pelosi, working to reclaim the top job in the US House of Representatives, has called for the creation of a new leadership post in a move that could make room for younger lawmakers in the upper echelons of the House Democrats. The 78-year-old San Francisco liberal and current House Democratic leader is fighting hard to regain the job of speaker after the November 6 elections in which Democrats gained a majority in the 435-member chamber. Pelosi previously held the post in 2007-2011 when she made history as the first woman speaker. But a handful of fellow Democrats have opposed her taking up the job again, saying the party needs new, younger leadership when the new Congress convenes in January. In a letter to current and incoming House Democrats late on Tuesday, Pelosi called for creation of an additional committee post in House leadership ranks, focused on policy and communications. "This enhancement ... will position House Democrats to best take advantage of the new size and diversity of our Caucus," Pelosi wrote. The House Democrats` other current top leaders are No. 2 Steny Hoyer and No. 3 James Clyburn, both also in their late 70s. The two have said they plan run for top spots, Hoyer as majority leader and Clyburn as majority whip. While 16 Democrats have threatened to join Republicans and vote against Pelosi in January when the House elects a speaker, no Democrat has openly issued a challenge to her. On Tuesday, she won the backing of one potential challenger, fellow Democrat Marcia Fudge. Democratic former President Barack Obama, a highly influential figure in the party, called Pelosi "one of the most effective legislative leaders that this country`s ever seen" in an interview with podcast "The Axe Files" released on Tuesday. Representative Jim Himes, in a CNN interview on Wednesday, said fellow Democrats have a right to consider alternative leaders but added the party should unite once that plays out. "If it doesn`t work: Stop. Allow us to unify, allow us to move forward," Himes said, adding he would not yet announce who he was supporting for the speaker role. House Democrats elected to the next Congress are scheduled to meet on November 28 to pick their leaders and nominee for speaker. The full House will vote in early January on the speaker position. In her letter, Pelosi acknowledged the expanding Democratic caucus and said the new position would be in addition to three current co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee: Representatives Cheri Bustos, David Cicilline and Hakeem Jeffries. President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans retained their majority in the Senate in this month`s elections.

In bid for top US House job, Pelosi makes room for others

Top Democrats stepped up pressure Sunday on acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to step aside from overseeing a special counsel probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, vowing to order him to testify early next year.

Representative Jerrold Nadler, the expected incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Sunday the committee plans to subpoena Whitaker to testify next year as its first witness.

"He should recuse himself. He has expressed total hostility to the investigation," Nadler said on the ABC News show "This Week." "His appointment is simply part of an attack on the investigation by Robert Mueller."

In a letter to the Justice Department's chief ethics officer, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats asked whether any ethics attorneys at the Justice Department have advised Whitaker to recuse himself and demanded details on any ethics guidance Whitaker has received.

"Allowing a vocal opponent of the investigation to oversee it will severely undermine public confidence in the Justice Department’s work on this critically important matter," the letter said.

Democrats have increasingly expressed alarm since last week, when President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign and replaced him with Whitaker, Sessions' chief of staff.

Sessions' ouster paved the way for Whitaker to take over oversight of Mueller's investigation from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May 2017 after Sessions recused himself from the probe.

Prior to working at the Justice Department, Whitaker made multiple negative comments about the Mueller investigation and its scope.

In addition, Whitaker is also a close friend of Trump's 2016 election campaign co-chair Sam Clovis, who has since become a witness in Mueller's investigation.

"Mr. Whitaker’s relationship with Mr. Clovis, who is a grand jury witness in the special counsel investigation, as well as Mr. Whitaker’s other entanglements, raise additional concerns about his ability to supervise the investigation independently and impartially," the letter said.

Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to Trump, defended Whitaker's oversight of the probe when asked about it on ABC's "This Week."

"Comments that Matt Whitaker made as a private citizen on cable TV does not disqualify him from being fair and impartial by overseeing this investigation."

She added that Trump is "100 per cent behind Matt Whitaker."

Top Democrats stepped up pressure Sunday on acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to step aside from overseeing a special counsel probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, vowing to order him to testify early next year.

Top Democrats stepped up pressure Sunday on acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to step aside from overseeing a special counsel probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, vowing to order him to testify early next year. Representative Jerrold Nadler, the expected incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Sunday the committee plans to subpoena Whitaker to testify next year as its first witness. "He should recuse himself. He has expressed total hostility to the investigation," Nadler said on the ABC News show "This Week." "His appointment is simply part of an attack on the investigation by Robert Mueller." In a letter to the Justice Department's chief ethics officer, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats asked whether any ethics attorneys at the Justice Department have advised Whitaker to recuse himself and demanded details on any ethics guidance Whitaker has received. "Allowing a vocal opponent of the investigation to oversee it will severely undermine public confidence in the Justice Department’s work on this critically important matter," the letter said. Democrats have increasingly expressed alarm since last week, when President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign and replaced him with Whitaker, Sessions' chief of staff. Sessions' ouster paved the way for Whitaker to take over oversight of Mueller's investigation from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May 2017 after Sessions recused himself from the probe. Prior to working at the Justice Department, Whitaker made multiple negative comments about the Mueller investigation and its scope. In addition, Whitaker is also a close friend of Trump's 2016 election campaign co-chair Sam Clovis, who has since become a witness in Mueller's investigation. "Mr. Whitaker’s relationship with Mr. Clovis, who is a grand jury witness in the special counsel investigation, as well as Mr. Whitaker’s other entanglements, raise additional concerns about his ability to supervise the investigation independently and impartially," the letter said. Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to Trump, defended Whitaker's oversight of the probe when asked about it on ABC's "This Week." "Comments that Matt Whitaker made as a private citizen on cable TV does not disqualify him from being fair and impartial by overseeing this investigation." She added that Trump is "100 per cent behind Matt Whitaker."

US Democrats urge acting attorney general to step aside from Russia probe

Pelosi, Democrats celebrate taking back the House, promise to seek unity

US Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi vowed Tuesday to impose new "checks and balances" on Donald Trump's administration -- but also signaled it would not be all-out war with Republicans after her party seized the lower house of Congress.

"Today is more than about Democrats and Republicans. It's about restoring the constitution's checks and balances to the Trump administration," Pelosi told a news conference after the House of Representatives flipped to the Democrats in the midterm elections.

But she went on to promise that "a Democratic Congress will work for solutions that bring us together, because we have all had enough of division."

"The American people want peace. They want results."

US networks projected Wednesday that the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-democrats-scent-victory-over-trumps-republicans-in-congress-175944">Democrats would take the House</a>&nbsp;of Representatives or Congress while Trump's Republicans would keep control of the Senate.&nbsp;

The US midterm elections — in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, and 36 governorships&nbsp;were up for grabs — are being seen as a referendum on Trump's unconventional presidency.&nbsp;

US Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi vowed Tuesday to impose new "checks and balances" on Donald Trump's administration -- but also signaled it would not be all-out war with Republicans after her party seized the lower house of Congress.

US Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi vowed Tuesday to impose new "checks and balances" on Donald Trump's administration -- but also signaled it would not be all-out war with Republicans after her party seized the lower house of Congress. "Today is more than about Democrats and Republicans. It's about restoring the constitution's checks and balances to the Trump administration," Pelosi told a news conference after the House of Representatives flipped to the Democrats in the midterm elections. But she went on to promise that "a Democratic Congress will work for solutions that bring us together, because we have all had enough of division." "The American people want peace. They want results." US networks projected Wednesday that the Democrats would take the House of Representatives or Congress while Trump's Republicans would keep control of the Senate. The US midterm elections — in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, and 36 governorships were up for grabs — are being seen as a referendum on Trump's unconventional presidency.

America has 'had enough of division': Democratic leader Pelosi

Wall Street stocks rose early Wednesday after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in key midterm elections even as President Donald Trump's Republican party increased its Senate majority.

About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.8 percent at 25,829.66, gaining speed after the open.

The broad-based S&amp;P 500 advanced 0.9 percent to 2,781.46, and the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.0 percent to 7,451.92.

With a handful of races still too close to call, Democrats were on track to capture some 30-35 House seats, taking control and providing a check on Trump's policies.&nbsp;

But Republicans appeared likely to win three to five Senate seats and solidify their control of the upper house following Tuesday night's vote.

Analysts said the market's gains reflected relief that an event viewed as a source of uncertainty had finally passed.

A Democratic sweep of Congress would have been seen as a threat to Trump's agenda and providing momentum to calls for an impeachment investigation, while a Republican sweep would have bolstered the odds for additional tax cuts that could have worsened the US fiscal outlook, analysts said.

Goldman Sachs said the election would yield no major changes on taxes or trade, while an infrastructure deal "seems unlikely."&nbsp;

But Goldman said the Democratic win in the House opens the door to potential passage of legislation to limit drug prices, an objective Trump has also emphasized at times.

Wall Street stocks rose early Wednesday after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in key midterm elections even as President Donald Trump's Republican party increased its Senate majority.

Wall Street stocks rose early Wednesday after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in key midterm elections even as President Donald Trump's Republican party increased its Senate majority. About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.8 percent at 25,829.66, gaining speed after the open. The broad-based S&P 500 advanced 0.9 percent to 2,781.46, and the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.0 percent to 7,451.92. With a handful of races still too close to call, Democrats were on track to capture some 30-35 House seats, taking control and providing a check on Trump's policies. But Republicans appeared likely to win three to five Senate seats and solidify their control of the upper house following Tuesday night's vote. Analysts said the market's gains reflected relief that an event viewed as a source of uncertainty had finally passed. A Democratic sweep of Congress would have been seen as a threat to Trump's agenda and providing momentum to calls for an impeachment investigation, while a Republican sweep would have bolstered the odds for additional tax cuts that could have worsened the US fiscal outlook, analysts said. Goldman Sachs said the election would yield no major changes on taxes or trade, while an infrastructure deal "seems unlikely." But Goldman said the Democratic win in the House opens the door to potential passage of legislation to limit drug prices, an objective Trump has also emphasized at times.

US stocks jump at the open after midterm results

Now that the Democrats have won control of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, they need to choose a leader and that means solving one of their toughest puzzles: Nancy Pelosi.

A contest among the Democrats for the House's top job of speaker will play out over the next 10 weeks or so, with the formidable 78-year-old San Francisco liberal at the center.

Pelosi has been clear that she wants to be speaker of the House again. She made history from 2007 to 2011 as the first woman speaker, a powerful position second in the line of emergency presidential succession after the vice president.

During the congressional campaigns that just ended, dozens of Democratic House candidates called for new leadership, registering indirect dissatisfaction with Pelosi, who has become a punching bag for Republicans. But not all the Democrats urging new leadership won election to the House.

With some races still undecided, Democrats were headed for a gain of more than 30 seats, beyond the 23 they needed to claim their first majority in the 435-member House in eight years. Their first order of business as the House majority will be to decide whether to put the speaker's gavel back in Pelosi's hands, or not.

"Leader Pelosi is very confident about her support in the caucus and among our members-elect," said Drew Hammill, a spokesman for Pelosi.

Currently minority leader, Pelosi is expected to discuss her plans to run for speaker at a news conference on Wednesday.

At a victory celebration in Washington on Tuesday, Pelosi said a Democratic House "will work for solutions that bring us together because we have all had enough of division.”

She was flanked by No. 2 House Democrat Steny Hoyer and No. 3 House Democrat James Clyburn in a sign that the three could aim to lead the chamber in the new Congress that convenes in early January.

For 16 years, Pelosi has steered the House Democrats, first as minority leader, then speaker, then minority leader again after the 2011 Republican takeover of the chamber. Her path back to the top job is clear.

First, she must capture a majority of Democrats in a behind-closed-doors Nov. 28 party leadership election. No certain rival to Pelosi has emerged but there are possible challengers.

Two years ago, in the internal party race for minority leader, 63 Democrats voted for Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, but Pelosi received 134 votes.

On Sunday, Ryan was asked on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" program if he would challenge Pelosi.

"There are a number of candidates that are having conversations that are talking about running," he said. "I will say it's not going to be a coronation. Somebody is going to run for leadership."

"The American people want a change. I think the Democrats want a change. So we're going to have that discussion starting on Wednesday. ... I want to be a part of that discussion."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-democrat-pelosi-deserves-to-be-house-speaker-176098">Trump says Democrat Pelosi 'deserves' to be House speaker</a>

Clyburn won't challenge

Clyburn, a 13-term congressman from South Carolina, has told reporters that he will not challenge Pelosi directly but will run for speaker if she does not have enough votes.

Many Democrats have said the No. 2 House Democrat, Steny Hoyer of Maryland, is also waiting in the wings.

Still, at ages 78 and 79, respectively, neither Clyburn nor Hoyer represents the kind of "new blood" that some younger Democrats seek.

A handful of more junior lawmakers are in the frame, as well. One is Louisiana's Cedric Richmond, 45, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, which recently sent a letter to lawmakers saying that if there is a leadership change, it wanted one of the top two Democratic leadership spots, a Democratic aide said. Clyburn is also a caucus member.

Ben Ray Lujan, 46, New Mexico is the current chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which coordinates House Democrats' election efforts.

Two others sometimes tagged as potential party leaders are Hakeem Jeffries, 48, a New Yorker who is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Cheri Bustos, 57, from a northwestern Illinois district that President Donald Trump won in 2016.

If Pelosi prevails at the party level, she would become the Democrats' candidate for speaker in a public roll call vote in early January by all 435 House members from both parties.

The winner of a majority of the votes cast gets the gavel. That means the candidate of the party with the most House seats wins, as long as party members stick together.

The current House speaker is Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican who is retiring from Congress.

Now that the Democrats have won control of the US House of Representatives, they need to choose a leader and that means solving one of their toughest puzzles: Nancy Pelosi.

Now that the Democrats have won control of the US House of Representatives, they need to choose a leader and that means solving one of their toughest puzzles: Nancy Pelosi. A contest among the Democrats for the House's top job of speaker will play out over the next 10 weeks or so, with the formidable 78-year-old San Francisco liberal at the center. Pelosi has been clear that she wants to be speaker of the House again. She made history from 2007 to 2011 as the first woman speaker, a powerful position second in the line of emergency presidential succession after the vice president. During the congressional campaigns that just ended, dozens of Democratic House candidates called for new leadership, registering indirect dissatisfaction with Pelosi, who has become a punching bag for Republicans. But not all the Democrats urging new leadership won election to the House. With some races still undecided, Democrats were headed for a gain of more than 30 seats, beyond the 23 they needed to claim their first majority in the 435-member House in eight years. Their first order of business as the House majority will be to decide whether to put the speaker's gavel back in Pelosi's hands, or not. "Leader Pelosi is very confident about her support in the caucus and among our members-elect," said Drew Hammill, a spokesman for Pelosi. Currently minority leader, Pelosi is expected to discuss her plans to run for speaker at a news conference on Wednesday. At a victory celebration in Washington on Tuesday, Pelosi said a Democratic House "will work for solutions that bring us together because we have all had enough of division.” She was flanked by No. 2 House Democrat Steny Hoyer and No. 3 House Democrat James Clyburn in a sign that the three could aim to lead the chamber in the new Congress that convenes in early January. For 16 years, Pelosi has steered the House Democrats, first as minority leader, then speaker, then minority leader again after the 2011 Republican takeover of the chamber. Her path back to the top job is clear. First, she must capture a majority of Democrats in a behind-closed-doors Nov. 28 party leadership election. No certain rival to Pelosi has emerged but there are possible challengers. Two years ago, in the internal party race for minority leader, 63 Democrats voted for Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, but Pelosi received 134 votes. On Sunday, Ryan was asked on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" program if he would challenge Pelosi. "There are a number of candidates that are having conversations that are talking about running," he said. "I will say it's not going to be a coronation. Somebody is going to run for leadership." "The American people want a change. I think the Democrats want a change. So we're going to have that discussion starting on Wednesday. ... I want to be a part of that discussion." Also read: Trump says Democrat Pelosi 'deserves' to be House speaker Clyburn won't challenge Clyburn, a 13-term congressman from South Carolina, has told reporters that he will not challenge Pelosi directly but will run for speaker if she does not have enough votes. Many Democrats have said the No. 2 House Democrat, Steny Hoyer of Maryland, is also waiting in the wings. Still, at ages 78 and 79, respectively, neither Clyburn nor Hoyer represents the kind of "new blood" that some younger Democrats seek. A handful of more junior lawmakers are in the frame, as well. One is Louisiana's Cedric Richmond, 45, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, which recently sent a letter to lawmakers saying that if there is a leadership change, it wanted one of the top two Democratic leadership spots, a Democratic aide said. Clyburn is also a caucus member. Ben Ray Lujan, 46, New Mexico is the current chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which coordinates House Democrats' election efforts. Two others sometimes tagged as potential party leaders are Hakeem Jeffries, 48, a New Yorker who is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Cheri Bustos, 57, from a northwestern Illinois district that President Donald Trump won in 2016. If Pelosi prevails at the party level, she would become the Democrats' candidate for speaker in a public roll call vote in early January by all 435 House members from both parties. The winner of a majority of the votes cast gets the gavel. That means the candidate of the party with the most House seats wins, as long as party members stick together. The current House speaker is Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican who is retiring from Congress.

For Democrats, US House win moves Pelosi to center stage

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his support behind top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, saying she ought to be US&nbsp;House Speaker, one day after Democrats won enough seats in the midterm congressional election to take control of Congress' lower chamber.

"In all fairness, Nancy Pelosi deserves to be chosen Speaker of the House by the Democrats. If they give her a hard time, perhaps we will add some Republican votes. She has earned this great honor," Trump said in a post on Twitter. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his support behind top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, saying she ought to be US House Speaker, one day after Democrats won enough seats in the midterm congressional election to take control of Congress' lower chamber.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his support behind top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, saying she ought to be US House Speaker, one day after Democrats won enough seats in the midterm congressional election to take control of Congress' lower chamber. "In all fairness, Nancy Pelosi deserves to be chosen Speaker of the House by the Democrats. If they give her a hard time, perhaps we will add some Republican votes. She has earned this great honor," Trump said in a post on Twitter.

Trump says Democrat Pelosi 'deserves' to be House speaker

US President Donald Trump <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-birthright-citizenship-guarantee-of-the-14th-amendment-174507">warned today that the&nbsp;</a>"so-called birthright citizenship will be ended one way or the other".

As critics warned that an executive order wouldn't be enough to bring in the change, the US president said "it is not covered by the 14th Amendment because of the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” "Many legal scholars agree," the president added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
So-called Birthright Citizenship, which costs our Country billions of dollars and is very unfair to our citizens, will be ended one way or the other. It is not covered by the 14th Amendment because of the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Many legal scholars agree.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1057624553478897665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Under the Constitution's 14th Amendment, citizenship is granted to "all persons born or naturalised in the United States." It was passed by Congress in 1866 after the civil war.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had said in an interview earlier that there was "more than just one piece of the puzzle" on immigration. &nbsp;

"President Trump’s new claim he can unilaterally end the Constitution’s guarantee of citizenship shows Republicans’ spiralling desperation to distract from their assault on Medicare, Medicaid and people with pre-existing conditions," Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi said.

"Harry Reid was right in 1993, before he and the Democrats went insane and started with the open borders (which brings massive Crime) “stuff.” Don’t forget the nasty term anchor babies. I will keep our country safe. This case will be settled by the United States Supreme Court!" the President said in his tweet.

"The World is using our laws to our detriment. They laugh at the stupidity they see!" he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The World is using our laws to our detriment. They laugh at the Stupidity they see!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1057638285026254848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) denounced Trump's statements as unconstitutional and a political manoeuvre ahead of November elections.

"This is a blatantly unconstitutional attempt to fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms," the ACLU said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, vice-president Pence waded into the debate, saying: "We all cherish the language of the 14th Amendment, but the Supreme Court of the United States has never ruled on whether or not the language of the 14th Amendment 'subject to the jurisdiction thereof' applies specifically to people who are in the country illegally." 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump warned today that the "so-called birthright citizenship will be ended one way or the other". As critics warned that an executive order wouldn't be enough to bring in the change, the US president said "it is not covered by the 14th Amendment because of the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.

US President Donald Trump warned today that the "so-called birthright citizenship will be ended one way or the other". As critics warned that an executive order wouldn't be enough to bring in the change, the US president said "it is not covered by the 14th Amendment because of the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” "Many legal scholars agree," the president added. So-called Birthright Citizenship, which costs our Country billions of dollars and is very unfair to our citizens, will be ended one way or the other. It is not covered by the 14th Amendment because of the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Many legal scholars agree..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2018 × Under the Constitution's 14th Amendment, citizenship is granted to "all persons born or naturalised in the United States." It was passed by Congress in 1866 after the civil war. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had said in an interview earlier that there was "more than just one piece of the puzzle" on immigration. "President Trump’s new claim he can unilaterally end the Constitution’s guarantee of citizenship shows Republicans’ spiralling desperation to distract from their assault on Medicare, Medicaid and people with pre-existing conditions," Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi said. "Harry Reid was right in 1993, before he and the Democrats went insane and started with the open borders (which brings massive Crime) “stuff.” Don’t forget the nasty term anchor babies. I will keep our country safe. This case will be settled by the United States Supreme Court!" the President said in his tweet. "The World is using our laws to our detriment. They laugh at the stupidity they see!" he added. The World is using our laws to our detriment. They laugh at the Stupidity they see! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2018 × The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) denounced Trump's statements as unconstitutional and a political manoeuvre ahead of November elections. "This is a blatantly unconstitutional attempt to fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms," the ACLU said in a tweet. Meanwhile, vice-president Pence waded into the debate, saying: "We all cherish the language of the 14th Amendment, but the Supreme Court of the United States has never ruled on whether or not the language of the 14th Amendment 'subject to the jurisdiction thereof' applies specifically to people who are in the country illegally."

Birthright citizenship will be ended one way or the other, warns Trump

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke for a little more than eight hours to oppose the budget deal to lift spending caps and avert a government shutdown -- because the plan does not address immigration issues.

Pelosi ended her speech after voicing disappointment that &quot;Dreamers,&quot; young immigrants brought to the United States as children, were not protected as part of a bill drafted by Congress to extend federal government funding.

&quot;I have had the privilege of reading the testimony from Dreamers, I still have more,&quot; she said, receiving applause in the chamber. &quot;I thank all of you.&quot;

A CNN report quoting the House Historian&#39;s office said that Pelosi&#39;s speech is the longest on record on the House floor, according to their records.

Her Democratic colleagues gave her a standing ovation, with some giving Pelosi a &#39;high-five&#39;.

Pelosi said that she would not support a budget caps agreement unless the House Speaker Paul Ryan promised to advance legislation to protect young Dreamers.

Congress must approve a spending bill by Thursday (February 8) to avert a second government shutdown this year.

Pelosi said that she would not support a budget caps agreement unless the House Speaker Paul Ryan promised to advance legislation to protect young Dreamers.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke for a little more than eight hours to oppose the budget deal to lift spending caps and avert a government shutdown -- because the plan does not address immigration issues. Pelosi ended her speech after voicing disappointment that "Dreamers," young immigrants brought to the United States as children, were not protected as part of a bill drafted by Congress to extend federal government funding. "I have had the privilege of reading the testimony from Dreamers, I still have more," she said, receiving applause in the chamber. "I thank all of you." A CNN report quoting the House Historian's office said that Pelosi's speech is the longest on record on the House floor, according to their records. Her Democratic colleagues gave her a standing ovation, with some giving Pelosi a 'high-five'. Pelosi said that she would not support a budget caps agreement unless the House Speaker Paul Ryan promised to advance legislation to protect young Dreamers. Congress must approve a spending bill by Thursday (February 8) to avert a second government shutdown this year.

Watch: Nancy Pelosi sets record with 8-hour marathon speech to US House

The longest-serving member of the US Congress, John Conyers, has decided to step down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee as sexual harassment allegations against him surface, reports said on Sunday.&nbsp;

&quot;After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation of these matters,&quot; Conyers tweeted on Sunday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation of these matters.
&mdash; John Conyers, Jr. (@RepJohnConyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJohnConyers/status/934837618541547520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

According to reports, a staff member informed that she was fired for denying to &#39;succumb to the sexual advances&#39; from the democrat. It was also reported on Tuesday that Conyers had paid an amount of $27,000 in 2015 in exchange for the confidentiality of a former staff member who also said she was then fired.&nbsp;

Media reports also say that he was accused of making several sexual advances in the past. &nbsp;

The Democrat has since denied these allegations which were apparently &#39;raised by documents reportedly paid for by a blogger&#39;. He added that he is looking forward to &#39;vindicating himself and his family before the House Committee on Ethics.&#39; According to the congressmen, his role as a Ranking Member on the committee would not be useful until the Ethics Committee investigation is complete.

However, he said that &#39;he would like very much to remain as Ranking Member as there is still much work to be done on core concerns like securing civil rights, enacting meaningful criminal justice reform, and protecting access to the ballot box.&#39;

Conyers urged that he would never allow his legacy, which he owes to his father John Conyers Sr., his family, and the people of Detroit, to be &#39;cast aside or by any way be diminished&#39;.&nbsp;

He also tweeted saying &#39;I am grateful to my colleagues who have called for due process before weighing judgment. I would urge them to continue to do so for any Member accused of wrongdoing. Basic fairness requires no less&#39;.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
I am grateful to my colleagues who have called for due process before weighing judgment. I would urge them to continue to do so for any Member accused of wrongdoing. Basic fairness requires no less.
&mdash; John Conyers, Jr. (@RepJohnConyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJohnConyers/status/934838606488891394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, claimed that it was justified that Conyers received &quot;due process&quot;.

Ms Pelosi called him &quot;an icon&quot; who had advanced women&#39;s causes.

However, she tweeted, in reference to&nbsp;Conyers: &quot;Zero tolerance means consequences... No matter how great an individual&#39;s legacy, it is not a license for harassment.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Zero tolerance means consequences. I have asked for an ethics investigation, and as that investigation continues, <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJohnConyers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJohnConyers</a> has agreed to step aside as Ranking Member. No matter how great an individual&rsquo;s legacy, it is not a license for harassment. <a href="https://t.co/H5ikWy1iqT">pic.twitter.com/H5ikWy1iqT</a>
&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/NancyPelosi/status/934834856781107201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

John Conyers is the longest-serving member of the US Congress

The longest-serving member of the US Congress, John Conyers, has decided to step down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee as sexual harassment allegations against him surface, reports said on Sunday. "After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation of these matters," Conyers tweeted on Sunday. After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation of these matters. — John Conyers, Jr. (@RepJohnConyers) November 26, 2017 × According to reports, a staff member informed that she was fired for denying to 'succumb to the sexual advances' from the democrat. It was also reported on Tuesday that Conyers had paid an amount of $27,000 in 2015 in exchange for the confidentiality of a former staff member who also said she was then fired. Media reports also say that he was accused of making several sexual advances in the past. The Democrat has since denied these allegations which were apparently 'raised by documents reportedly paid for by a blogger'. He added that he is looking forward to 'vindicating himself and his family before the House Committee on Ethics.' According to the congressmen, his role as a Ranking Member on the committee would not be useful until the Ethics Committee investigation is complete. However, he said that 'he would like very much to remain as Ranking Member as there is still much work to be done on core concerns like securing civil rights, enacting meaningful criminal justice reform, and protecting access to the ballot box.' Conyers urged that he would never allow his legacy, which he owes to his father John Conyers Sr., his family, and the people of Detroit, to be 'cast aside or by any way be diminished'. He also tweeted saying 'I am grateful to my colleagues who have called for due process before weighing judgment. I would urge them to continue to do so for any Member accused of wrongdoing. Basic fairness requires no less'. I am grateful to my colleagues who have called for due process before weighing judgment. I would urge them to continue to do so for any Member accused of wrongdoing. Basic fairness requires no less. — John Conyers, Jr. (@RepJohnConyers) November 26, 2017 × The leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, claimed that it was justified that Conyers received "due process". Ms Pelosi called him "an icon" who had advanced women's causes. However, she tweeted, in reference to Conyers: "Zero tolerance means consequences... No matter how great an individual's legacy, it is not a license for harassment. Zero tolerance means consequences. I have asked for an ethics investigation, and as that investigation continues, @RepJohnConyers has agreed to step aside as Ranking Member. No matter how great an individual’s legacy, it is not a license for harassment. pic.twitter.com/H5ikWy1iqT — Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) November 26, 2017 ×

Longest-serving US Congressman steps down after sexual harassment allegations

nancy-pelosi

Nancy Pelosi, News on Nancy Pelosi, stories on Nancy Pelosi, articles on Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi stories at Wion, Nancy Pelosi news, Nancy Pelosi latest news

nancy pelosi