Amid the ongoing row over US House Speaker Pelosi's proposed Taiwan visit, China accused the US of double standards at United Nations Security Council. Now, China says it will conduct military drills in the area.

U.S. & China tensions over Taiwan simmer: China to conduct military drills in the area

US president Joe Biden held a telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during the two-hour long phone call. China has threatened US over Taiwan.

WION Dispatch: China threatens US over Taiwan | Tensions over Pelosi's potential Taiwan visit

Pelosi's proposed Taiwan visit is under scanner after opposition from the US NSA. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden is expected to hold talks with China's Xi soon.

Pelosi's proposed Taiwan visit under scanner: US NSA opposes Pelosi's Taiwan visit

US NSA against Pelosi's Taiwan visit amid looming threat from China

Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said Sunday night that the House would vote on a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill Thursday, giving Democrats more time to reach a consensus on President Joe Biden’s sprawling domestic policy package.

The vote will come hours before government funding — as well as key transportation programs addressed in the infrastructure bill — is scheduled to lapse Oct. 1, leaving lawmakers with a narrow margin for error.

Pelosi had committed last month to holding a vote on the legislation by Monday, after a group of centrist Democrats threatened to vote against a budget blueprint needed to push through the party’s signature $3.5 trillion social policy and climate change bill unless they were promised a quick vote on the infrastructure measure, which the Senate passed last month.

But progressive lawmakers have vowed not to support the infrastructure bill until Congress acts on the $3.5 trillion plan to provide vast new investments in education, health, child care, paid leave and climate programs. That package has yet to be completed.

Pelosi’s announcement that the House would aim to pass the infrastructure bill later in the week reflected the difficulty of the task that Democratic leaders face as they feverishly try to knit together a compromise to move forward with Biden’s agenda.

“I’m never bringing a bill to the floor that doesn’t have the votes,” Pelosi said of the infrastructure bill on “This Week” on ABC on Sunday.

Biden and members of his Cabinet huddled with lawmakers over the weekend in a bid to push the two bills over the finish line, according to a White House official familiar with the discussions.

With a razor-thin majority, Pelosi can lose only three votes for the social policy plan, and Senate Democrats hope to push it through using the fast-track budget process known as reconciliation to shield it from a filibuster. House Republicans have urged their members to oppose the $1 trillion infrastructure package, so more than a few defections can sink that bill.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash. and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, pledged again Sunday that liberal lawmakers would not support the infrastructure bill unless it was accompanied by action on the $3.5 trillion plan.

“The speaker is an incredibly good vote counter, and she knows exactly where her caucus stands, and we’ve been really clear on that,” Jayapal said on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “The votes aren’t there.”

But Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. and one of the lead centrists in the House negotiating with Pelosi, suggested that progressives had issued an empty threat.

“It’s a key part of the president’s agenda,” Gottheimer said on “State of the Union.” “I just don’t buy at the end of the day that folks will vote against it.”

In the Senate on Monday, Democrats will also take up consideration of an emergency spending package needed to avert a government shutdown. Republicans, objecting because it contains legislation that would lift the limit on the federal government’s ability to borrow, are expected to block the measure in a procedural vote. The bill passed the House with only Democratic votes.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said Sunday night that the House would vote on a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill Thursday, giving Democrats more time to reach a consensus on President Joe Biden’s sprawling domestic policy package.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said Sunday night that the House would vote on a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill Thursday, giving Democrats more time to reach a consensus on President Joe Biden’s sprawling domestic policy package. The vote will come hours before government funding — as well as key transportation programs addressed in the infrastructure bill — is scheduled to lapse Oct. 1, leaving lawmakers with a narrow margin for error. Pelosi had committed last month to holding a vote on the legislation by Monday, after a group of centrist Democrats threatened to vote against a budget blueprint needed to push through the party’s signature $3.5 trillion social policy and climate change bill unless they were promised a quick vote on the infrastructure measure, which the Senate passed last month. But progressive lawmakers have vowed not to support the infrastructure bill until Congress acts on the $3.5 trillion plan to provide vast new investments in education, health, child care, paid leave and climate programs. That package has yet to be completed. Pelosi’s announcement that the House would aim to pass the infrastructure bill later in the week reflected the difficulty of the task that Democratic leaders face as they feverishly try to knit together a compromise to move forward with Biden’s agenda. “I’m never bringing a bill to the floor that doesn’t have the votes,” Pelosi said of the infrastructure bill on “This Week” on ABC on Sunday. Biden and members of his Cabinet huddled with lawmakers over the weekend in a bid to push the two bills over the finish line, according to a White House official familiar with the discussions. With a razor-thin majority, Pelosi can lose only three votes for the social policy plan, and Senate Democrats hope to push it through using the fast-track budget process known as reconciliation to shield it from a filibuster. House Republicans have urged their members to oppose the $1 trillion infrastructure package, so more than a few defections can sink that bill. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash. and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, pledged again Sunday that liberal lawmakers would not support the infrastructure bill unless it was accompanied by action on the $3.5 trillion plan. “The speaker is an incredibly good vote counter, and she knows exactly where her caucus stands, and we’ve been really clear on that,” Jayapal said on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “The votes aren’t there.” But Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. and one of the lead centrists in the House negotiating with Pelosi, suggested that progressives had issued an empty threat. “It’s a key part of the president’s agenda,” Gottheimer said on “State of the Union.” “I just don’t buy at the end of the day that folks will vote against it.” In the Senate on Monday, Democrats will also take up consideration of an emergency spending package needed to avert a government shutdown. Republicans, objecting because it contains legislation that would lift the limit on the federal government’s ability to borrow, are expected to block the measure in a procedural vote. The bill passed the House with only Democratic votes.

Pelosi announces vote on $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill

House Speaker Nancy&nbsp;Pelosi&nbsp;on Thursday appointed a fierce critic of Donald Trump from within his party to a select committee investigating the January 6 US Capitol insurrection, in a move challenging other Republicans to join the fact-finding probe.

Congresswoman Liz Cheney, recently booted from Republican leadership because she refused to tone down her public criticism of Trump, said she was honored to have been picked to serve on the panel.

"What happened on January 6th can never happen again," Cheney said in a statement, referring to the deadly riot that occurred when a pro-Trump mob broke through police lines, threatened lawmakers and ransacked parts of the Capitol.

"Those who are responsible for the attack need to be held accountable and this select committee will fulfill that responsibility in&nbsp;a professional, expeditious and non-partisan manner," she said.

Cheney was one of two Republicans who voted Wednesday to establish the panel, complete with subpoena power, weeks after Senate Republicans blocked an independent and bipartisan 9/11-style national commission.

The House's top Republican Kevin McCarthy said it was "shocking" and "unprecedented" for Cheney to accept the committee post from the Democratic speaker.&nbsp;

But he insisted he had not threatened her with removal from her standard committee assignments.

McCarthy also warned that the process had become too politicized.

Pelosi&nbsp;assigned Bennie Thompson to head the select committee, one of seven Democrats she named to the 13-member panel.&nbsp;

It was not clear whether McCarthy would name any Republicans.

"We had hoped that they would choose them expeditiously," the speaker said.

Pelosi's office said the committee will investigate the facts and causes of the "terrorist mob attack" on the Capitol, and will report its finding and recommendations for preventing future attacks.

Republicans who oppose the panel have pointed to the more than 500 people arrested for their part in the unrest, and said those court cases will help shed sufficient light on what happened.

Pelosi&nbsp;and Thompson said they could not provide a timeline for the committee's final report, but it could be completed in 2022, the year of closely watched midterm elections.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday appointed a fierce critic of Donald Trump from within his party to a select committee investigating the January 6 US Capitol insurrection, in a move challenging other Republicans to join the fact-finding probe.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday appointed a fierce critic of Donald Trump from within his party to a select committee investigating the January 6 US Capitol insurrection, in a move challenging other Republicans to join the fact-finding probe. Congresswoman Liz Cheney, recently booted from Republican leadership because she refused to tone down her public criticism of Trump, said she was honored to have been picked to serve on the panel. "What happened on January 6th can never happen again," Cheney said in a statement, referring to the deadly riot that occurred when a pro-Trump mob broke through police lines, threatened lawmakers and ransacked parts of the Capitol. "Those who are responsible for the attack need to be held accountable and this select committee will fulfill that responsibility in a professional, expeditious and non-partisan manner," she said. Cheney was one of two Republicans who voted Wednesday to establish the panel, complete with subpoena power, weeks after Senate Republicans blocked an independent and bipartisan 9/11-style national commission. The House's top Republican Kevin McCarthy said it was "shocking" and "unprecedented" for Cheney to accept the committee post from the Democratic speaker. But he insisted he had not threatened her with removal from her standard committee assignments. McCarthy also warned that the process had become too politicized. Pelosi assigned Bennie Thompson to head the select committee, one of seven Democrats she named to the 13-member panel. It was not clear whether McCarthy would name any Republicans. "We had hoped that they would choose them expeditiously," the speaker said. Pelosi's office said the committee will investigate the facts and causes of the "terrorist mob attack" on the Capitol, and will report its finding and recommendations for preventing future attacks. Republicans who oppose the panel have pointed to the more than 500 people arrested for their part in the unrest, and said those court cases will help shed sufficient light on what happened. Pelosi and Thompson said they could not provide a timeline for the committee's final report, but it could be completed in 2022, the year of closely watched midterm elections.

Pelosi picks Republican Trump critic for Jan 6 panel

Unvaccinated Republican lawmakers pose a danger to other members of Congress and staff, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday as she attacked the "selfishness" of colleagues who refuse to protect against Covid-19.

The top congressional Democrat's criticism of opponents as a health "dangerment" comes as a debate swells over Capitol Hill mask mandates, which Republicans have demanded be lifted as the Biden administration eases its guidance on face coverings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-expects-covid-19-vaccines-for-kids-in-late-2021-sees-need-for-booster-shot-386496" hreflang="en">Fauci expects COVID-19 vaccines for kids in late 2021, sees need for booster shot</a>

"It is unfortunate that a large number of people in the Congress have refused to be vaccinated... or have been vaccinated and don't want to admit it," Pelosi said, noting that Congress's attending physician intends to keep the mask rule in place until all lawmakers get the jab.

"We have a responsibility to make sure that the House of Representatives chamber is not a petri dish because of the selfishness of some not to be vaccinated," Pelosi said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-astrazeneca-shots-could-be-85-90-effective-uk-data-suggests-386500" hreflang="en">Two AstraZeneca shots could be 85-90% effective, UK data suggests</a>

The biting remarks come days after CNN released a survey of lawmakers that showed a 100 per cent vaccination rate among Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives, but dramatically lower numbers for Republicans.

Of the House Republicans, just 95 of the conference's 212 members — or 44.8 per cent — told the network they are vaccinated.&nbsp;

An exasperated Pelosi told reporters that committee meetings and other gatherings in Congress will not be able to return to maskless normality until all lawmakers are vaccinated.

"What is this, the honor system... as to whether somebody's been vaccinated?" she said. "Do you want them breathing in your face on the strength of their honor?"

Pelosi has clashed over masks with the chamber's top Republican Kevin McCarthy, who introduced a resolution that would allow lawmakers to be maskless on the House floor.

House Democrats killed the measure.

Some lawmakers have grown openly defiant. Republican Brian Mast said Tuesday he was fined $500 for refusing to wear a mask on the House floor.

Pelosi announced such punishments for mask violations in January.

"This is nothing more than political theatre," House Republican Ralph Norman tweeted Thursday. "All over the Capitol complex, staff and members are maskless. It is time for @SpeakerPelosi to drop the charade."

A recent Morning Consult poll found that unvaccinated Americans are about twice as likely as vaccinated people to say they are comfortable not wearing masks while doing activities like attending a work conference.

Unvaccinated Republican lawmakers pose a danger to other members of Congress and staff, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday as she attacked the "selfishness" of colleagues who refuse to protect against Covid-19.

Unvaccinated Republican lawmakers pose a danger to other members of Congress and staff, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday as she attacked the "selfishness" of colleagues who refuse to protect against Covid-19. The top congressional Democrat's criticism of opponents as a health "dangerment" comes as a debate swells over Capitol Hill mask mandates, which Republicans have demanded be lifted as the Biden administration eases its guidance on face coverings. Also read | Fauci expects COVID-19 vaccines for kids in late 2021, sees need for booster shot "It is unfortunate that a large number of people in the Congress have refused to be vaccinated... or have been vaccinated and don't want to admit it," Pelosi said, noting that Congress's attending physician intends to keep the mask rule in place until all lawmakers get the jab. "We have a responsibility to make sure that the House of Representatives chamber is not a petri dish because of the selfishness of some not to be vaccinated," Pelosi said. Also read | Two AstraZeneca shots could be 85-90% effective, UK data suggests The biting remarks come days after CNN released a survey of lawmakers that showed a 100 per cent vaccination rate among Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives, but dramatically lower numbers for Republicans. Of the House Republicans, just 95 of the conference's 212 members — or 44.8 per cent — told the network they are vaccinated. An exasperated Pelosi told reporters that committee meetings and other gatherings in Congress will not be able to return to maskless normality until all lawmakers are vaccinated. "What is this, the honor system... as to whether somebody's been vaccinated?" she said. "Do you want them breathing in your face on the strength of their honor?" Pelosi has clashed over masks with the chamber's top Republican Kevin McCarthy, who introduced a resolution that would allow lawmakers to be maskless on the House floor. House Democrats killed the measure. Some lawmakers have grown openly defiant. Republican Brian Mast said Tuesday he was fined $500 for refusing to wear a mask on the House floor. Pelosi announced such punishments for mask violations in January. "This is nothing more than political theatre," House Republican Ralph Norman tweeted Thursday. "All over the Capitol complex, staff and members are maskless. It is time for @SpeakerPelosi to drop the charade." A recent Morning Consult poll found that unvaccinated Americans are about twice as likely as vaccinated people to say they are comfortable not wearing masks while doing activities like attending a work conference.

Unvaccinated US lawmakers a danger to Congress, Pelosi says

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government.&nbsp;

Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. &nbsp;

"What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics."&nbsp;

"Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added.&nbsp;

"For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said.&nbsp;

An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide.&nbsp;

Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail.&nbsp;

"I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority. US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government. Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. "What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics." "Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added. "For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said. An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail. "I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics 

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday (January 21) she will consult with fellow Democrats in coming days about the Senate's readiness to begin an impeachment trial on former President Donald Trump's alleged role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

US House Speaker Pelosi makes her case for Trump impeachment trial

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday differences remain with President Donald Trump's administration on a wide-ranging coronavirus relief package. She is, however, optimistic that legislation could be pushed through before Election Day.

Pelosi said she wanted a bill passed before the US presidential election between Republican Trump and Democrat Joe Biden but acknowledged an agreement would have to come within 48 hours for that to happen.

"I'm optimistic because, again, we've been back and forth on all of this," Pelosi said in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

"They took out 55% of the language that we had there for testing and tracing. And the tracing part is so important because communities of color had been disproportionately affected by this," Pelosi said on ABC.

"We don't have agreement on the language yet. But I'm hopeful."

However, with her negotiating partner, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, in the Middle East until Tuesday, a deal appears to be a long shot.

The White House proposed a $1.8 trillion stimulus last week to help Americans struggling with the economic ravages of the coronavirus pandemic. Pelosi said the offer fell short in a range of areas including tax credits for poor people, aid to state and local governments, worker protections and rent help. She has stuck to her demand for a $2.2 trillion aid and stimulus package.

The Republicans who control the Senate, however, are loath to pass another giant relief bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would vote next week on relief measures totaling more than $500 billion to target specific areas of need. Democrats have rejected so-called skinny bills with pared-down funding, saying much more is needed.

After Mnuchin said last week the White House broadly accepted Democrats' language on testing, it was clear the devil was in the details.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday differences remain with President Donald Trump's administration on a wide-ranging coronavirus relief package. She is, however, optimistic that legislation could be pushed through before Election Day.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday differences remain with President Donald Trump's administration on a wide-ranging coronavirus relief package. She is, however, optimistic that legislation could be pushed through before Election Day. Pelosi said she wanted a bill passed before the US presidential election between Republican Trump and Democrat Joe Biden but acknowledged an agreement would have to come within 48 hours for that to happen. "I'm optimistic because, again, we've been back and forth on all of this," Pelosi said in an interview with ABC's "This Week." "They took out 55% of the language that we had there for testing and tracing. And the tracing part is so important because communities of color had been disproportionately affected by this," Pelosi said on ABC. "We don't have agreement on the language yet. But I'm hopeful." However, with her negotiating partner, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, in the Middle East until Tuesday, a deal appears to be a long shot. The White House proposed a $1.8 trillion stimulus last week to help Americans struggling with the economic ravages of the coronavirus pandemic. Pelosi said the offer fell short in a range of areas including tax credits for poor people, aid to state and local governments, worker protections and rent help. She has stuck to her demand for a $2.2 trillion aid and stimulus package. The Republicans who control the Senate, however, are loath to pass another giant relief bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would vote next week on relief measures totaling more than $500 billion to target specific areas of need. Democrats have rejected so-called skinny bills with pared-down funding, saying much more is needed. After Mnuchin said last week the White House broadly accepted Democrats' language on testing, it was clear the devil was in the details.

Pelosi sets 48-hour deadline to approve stimulus deal before US election

US President Donald Trump made his third state of union speech today at the same house chamber where he was impeached last December. His speech focused on what he called 'The Great American Comeback' from snubbing Pelosi to taking a dig at the Democrats.

Soleimani was the World's Biggest Terrorist : Trump

Nancy Pelosi has said that the US President Donald Trump has abused his power as President. Watch this video to know more.

Pelosi: Trump has abused his power as President

United States&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy&nbsp;Pelosi&nbsp;said on Friday she expected public hearings in the impeachment inquiry of Republican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-angry-majority-supports-him-against-impeachment-drive-259362">Donald Trump</a> to begin this month.

"I would assume there would be a public hearing in November," the top House Democrat said in an interview with Bloomberg. Any case that is made to impeach the president, she said, "has to be ironclad."

In the first formal test of support for the impeachment investigation, the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday voted almost entirely along party lines - 232 to 196 - to move the probe forward in Congress.

Pelosi&nbsp;launched the enquiry into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-effort-passes-first-test-in-divided-us-congress-259134">Trump's attempt to have Ukraine investigate</a> a domestic political rival in September. The probe focuses on a July 25 telephone call in which Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden, a former US&nbsp;vice president, and his son Hunter.

Current and former Trump administration officials have testified behind closed doors that the White House went outside normal diplomatic channels to pressure Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate the Bidens.

Pelosi&nbsp;told Bloomberg the closed-door depositions of witnesses will continue as long as they are "productive."

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Friday she expected public hearings in the impeachment inquiry of Republican President Donald Trump to begin this month.

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Friday she expected public hearings in the impeachment inquiry of Republican President Donald Trump to begin this month. "I would assume there would be a public hearing in November," the top House Democrat said in an interview with Bloomberg. Any case that is made to impeach the president, she said, "has to be ironclad." In the first formal test of support for the impeachment investigation, the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday voted almost entirely along party lines - 232 to 196 - to move the probe forward in Congress. Pelosi launched the enquiry into Trump's attempt to have Ukraine investigate a domestic political rival in September. The probe focuses on a July 25 telephone call in which Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden, a former US vice president, and his son Hunter. Current and former Trump administration officials have testified behind closed doors that the White House went outside normal diplomatic channels to pressure Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate the Bidens. Pelosi told Bloomberg the closed-door depositions of witnesses will continue as long as they are "productive."

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expects Trump impeachment hearings in November

US President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his views on both US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Special Counsel Robert Mueller shortly before attending a ceremony to mark the 75th WWII anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France.

"I think she's a disgrace... She's a nasty, vindictive, horrible person," Trump told the Fox News Channel during a taped interview at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer shortly before the commemorations began.

Pelosi is under pressure from some Democrats to begin impeachment of Trump, who last week called impeachment "a dirty, filthy, disgusting word."

Trump also said Mueller, who oversaw a much-anticipated probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election, had made a "such a fool out of himself."

Last week, Mueller made his first public comments since starting the investigation in May 2017, saying his probe was never going to end with criminal charges against Trump but he did not clear the Republican president and indicated it was up to Congress to decide whether he should be impeached

US President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his views on both US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Special Counsel Robert Mueller shortly before attending a ceremony to mark the 75th WWII anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his views on both US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Special Counsel Robert Mueller shortly before attending a ceremony to mark the 75th WWII anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. "I think she's a disgrace... She's a nasty, vindictive, horrible person," Trump told the Fox News Channel during a taped interview at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer shortly before the commemorations began. Pelosi is under pressure from some Democrats to begin impeachment of Trump, who last week called impeachment "a dirty, filthy, disgusting word." Trump also said Mueller, who oversaw a much-anticipated probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election, had made a "such a fool out of himself." Last week, Mueller made his first public comments since starting the investigation in May 2017, saying his probe was never going to end with criminal charges against Trump but he did not clear the Republican president and indicated it was up to Congress to decide whether he should be impeached

Mueller looks like a 'fool' and Pelosi is a 'disgrace': Trump in Normandy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-press-on-as-us-attorney-general-refuses-to-testify-215419">Congressional Democrats stepped up pressure</a> on President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday as US&nbsp;House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">Attorney General William Barr</a> of committing a crime and an influential committee chairman threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress.

In a defiant letter released on Thursday, the White House said Trump has the right to instruct advisers not to testify before congressional oversight probes related to the Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia inquiry and called Mueller's report on the matter defective.

The statements mark a sharp escalation in the conflict between Trump's administration and Democrats in Congress, who are weighing whether they should try to remove Trump from office using the impeachment process as they demand information on his taxes, his businesses and other topics.

Democrats accused the Republican president and his administration of a launching a growing attack on American democracy.

Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, accused Barr of lying to lawmakers about his interactions with Mueller after the special counsel concluded his 22-month investigation into Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 US election to boost Trump's candidacy.

"That's a crime," the top Democrat in Congress told reporters, referring to Barr's congressional testimony.

Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec called Pelosi's allegation "reckless, irresponsible and false."

The exchange came shortly after House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress if he does not provide a full, unredacted copy of Mueller's findings. That could potentially lead to fines or imprisonment for the top U.S. law enforcement official.

Barr released Mueller's report on April 18, with some parts blacked out to protect sensitive information.

Pelosi and other leaders in the House, which is controlled by Democrats, previously had cautioned against launching the impeachment process, which would begin in the House but would face long odds of success in the Republican-controlled Senate and could alienate voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election in which Trump is seeking re-election.

But Pelosi said the Trump administration was continuing to ignore congressional subpoenas and noted that Congress launched impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon in the 1970s after he resisted similar demands. Nixon resigned in 1974.

"I think that the statements being made by the president of the United States as giving a blanket statement that he's not going to honor any subpoenas is obstruction of justice," Pelosi said.

White House legal counsel Emmet Flood, in an April 19 letter to Barr obtained by Reuters on Thursday, said Trump's decision to let advisers cooperate with the Mueller probe does not extend to congressional oversight investigations.

"It is one thing for a president to encourage complete cooperation and transparency in a criminal investigation conducted largely within the Executive Branch. It is something else entirely to allow his advisers to appear before Congress," the letter said.

Democrats have accused Barr of misleading Congress by testifying in April that he did not know whether Mueller agreed with his initial characterization of the report - failing to mention a March 27 letter from the special counsel complaining that Barr's initial public summary did not "fully capture the context, nature and substance of this Office's work." Several Democrats have called on him to resign.

Nadler had set a Wednesday deadline for Barr to hand over the unredacted report and its underlying evidence. Barr canceled his testimony after clashing with Nadler over the hearing's format. Nadler said he will move forward with a contempt citation as soon as Monday.

"The very system of government of the United States - the system of limited power, the system of not having a president as a dictator - is very much at stake," Nadler told reporters after a 15-minute committee session held in place of Barr's appearance.

Democrats have said they may issue a subpoena to try to force Barr to testify before their committee.

"The failure of Attorney General Barr to come to the hearing today is simply another step in the administration's growing attack on American democracy and its attack on the right of Congress" as a co-equal branch of government, Nadler said.

Barr spent four hours before a Republican-led Senate committee on Wednesday defending his handling of Mueller's report on Russia's interference in the election to boost Trump's candidacy and whether the president subsequently tried to obstruct Mueller’s probe.

Representative Doug Collins, the House Judiciary Committee's top Republican, said Barr did not appear before that panel because Nadler had insisted on an aggressive format with an extra hour of questioning from its own lawyers, in addition to those from the committee's lawmakers.

"They want it to look like an impeachment hearing because they won't bring impeachment proceedings," Collins said.

The report detailed extensive contacts between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Moscow and the campaign's expectation that it would benefit from Russia's actions, which included hacking and propaganda to boost Trump and harm Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The report also detailed a series of actions Trump took to try to impede the investigation.

Mueller, a former FBI director, concluded there was insufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy and opted not to make a conclusion on whether Trump committed obstruction of justice, but pointedly did not exonerate him. Barr has said he and Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department's No. 2 official, then determined there was not enough evidence to charge Trump with obstruction.

Congressional Democrats stepped up pressure on President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday as US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Attorney General William Barr of committing a crime and an influential committee chairman threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress.

Congressional Democrats stepped up pressure on President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday as US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Attorney General William Barr of committing a crime and an influential committee chairman threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress. In a defiant letter released on Thursday, the White House said Trump has the right to instruct advisers not to testify before congressional oversight probes related to the Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia inquiry and called Mueller's report on the matter defective. The statements mark a sharp escalation in the conflict between Trump's administration and Democrats in Congress, who are weighing whether they should try to remove Trump from office using the impeachment process as they demand information on his taxes, his businesses and other topics. Democrats accused the Republican president and his administration of a launching a growing attack on American democracy. Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, accused Barr of lying to lawmakers about his interactions with Mueller after the special counsel concluded his 22-month investigation into Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 US election to boost Trump's candidacy. "That's a crime," the top Democrat in Congress told reporters, referring to Barr's congressional testimony. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec called Pelosi's allegation "reckless, irresponsible and false." The exchange came shortly after House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler threatened to hold Barr in contempt of Congress if he does not provide a full, unredacted copy of Mueller's findings. That could potentially lead to fines or imprisonment for the top U.S. law enforcement official. Barr released Mueller's report on April 18, with some parts blacked out to protect sensitive information. Pelosi and other leaders in the House, which is controlled by Democrats, previously had cautioned against launching the impeachment process, which would begin in the House but would face long odds of success in the Republican-controlled Senate and could alienate voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election in which Trump is seeking re-election. But Pelosi said the Trump administration was continuing to ignore congressional subpoenas and noted that Congress launched impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon in the 1970s after he resisted similar demands. Nixon resigned in 1974. "I think that the statements being made by the president of the United States as giving a blanket statement that he's not going to honor any subpoenas is obstruction of justice," Pelosi said. White House legal counsel Emmet Flood, in an April 19 letter to Barr obtained by Reuters on Thursday, said Trump's decision to let advisers cooperate with the Mueller probe does not extend to congressional oversight investigations. "It is one thing for a president to encourage complete cooperation and transparency in a criminal investigation conducted largely within the Executive Branch. It is something else entirely to allow his advisers to appear before Congress," the letter said. Democrats have accused Barr of misleading Congress by testifying in April that he did not know whether Mueller agreed with his initial characterization of the report - failing to mention a March 27 letter from the special counsel complaining that Barr's initial public summary did not "fully capture the context, nature and substance of this Office's work." Several Democrats have called on him to resign. Nadler had set a Wednesday deadline for Barr to hand over the unredacted report and its underlying evidence. Barr canceled his testimony after clashing with Nadler over the hearing's format. Nadler said he will move forward with a contempt citation as soon as Monday. "The very system of government of the United States - the system of limited power, the system of not having a president as a dictator - is very much at stake," Nadler told reporters after a 15-minute committee session held in place of Barr's appearance. Democrats have said they may issue a subpoena to try to force Barr to testify before their committee. "The failure of Attorney General Barr to come to the hearing today is simply another step in the administration's growing attack on American democracy and its attack on the right of Congress" as a co-equal branch of government, Nadler said. Barr spent four hours before a Republican-led Senate committee on Wednesday defending his handling of Mueller's report on Russia's interference in the election to boost Trump's candidacy and whether the president subsequently tried to obstruct Mueller’s probe. Representative Doug Collins, the House Judiciary Committee's top Republican, said Barr did not appear before that panel because Nadler had insisted on an aggressive format with an extra hour of questioning from its own lawyers, in addition to those from the committee's lawmakers. "They want it to look like an impeachment hearing because they won't bring impeachment proceedings," Collins said. The report detailed extensive contacts between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Moscow and the campaign's expectation that it would benefit from Russia's actions, which included hacking and propaganda to boost Trump and harm Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The report also detailed a series of actions Trump took to try to impede the investigation. Mueller, a former FBI director, concluded there was insufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy and opted not to make a conclusion on whether Trump committed obstruction of justice, but pointedly did not exonerate him. Barr has said he and Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department's No. 2 official, then determined there was not enough evidence to charge Trump with obstruction.

Pelosi accuses William Barr of 'crime' as Democrats step up pressure on Trump

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called upon lawmakers to back a resolution to halt the national emergency declared by US President Donald Trump to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico.

Trump announced the emergency in order to bypass Congress, which approved only a quarter of the $5.6 billion he wanted for the wall in a spending bill.

Sixteen states earlier this week sued over the declaration, but the Trump administration has continued with plans to pull together around a further $6.6 billion in federal funding, mostly from the Department of Defense.

Texas congressman Joaquin Castro had last week vowed to introduce a resolution to terminate the president's move.

Lawmakers have until 3:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Thursday to co-sponsor it, before it is formally introduced on Friday.

"I write to invite all Members of Congress to cosponsor Congressman Joaquin Castro's privileged resolution," Pelosi said in a letter to Democrats and Republicans late Wednesday."

"The President's decision to go outside the bounds of the law to try to get what he failed to achieve in the constitutional legislative process violates the Constitution and must be terminated," she said.

"We have a solemn responsibility to uphold the Constitution, and defend our system of checks and balances against the President's assault.

Democrats were quick to express their support.

"I'm a YES to overturn the declaration," Democratic Senator Brian Schatz tweeted.

Meanwhile, House Democrat Linda Sanchez, of California, said she was "proud" to support Castro's resolution.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called upon lawmakers to back a resolution to halt the national emergency declared by US President Donald Trump to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called upon lawmakers to back a resolution to halt the national emergency declared by US President Donald Trump to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico. Trump announced the emergency in order to bypass Congress, which approved only a quarter of the $5.6 billion he wanted for the wall in a spending bill. Sixteen states earlier this week sued over the declaration, but the Trump administration has continued with plans to pull together around a further $6.6 billion in federal funding, mostly from the Department of Defense. Texas congressman Joaquin Castro had last week vowed to introduce a resolution to terminate the president's move. Lawmakers have until 3:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Thursday to co-sponsor it, before it is formally introduced on Friday. "I write to invite all Members of Congress to cosponsor Congressman Joaquin Castro's privileged resolution," Pelosi said in a letter to Democrats and Republicans late Wednesday." "The President's decision to go outside the bounds of the law to try to get what he failed to achieve in the constitutional legislative process violates the Constitution and must be terminated," she said. "We have a solemn responsibility to uphold the Constitution, and defend our system of checks and balances against the President's assault. Democrats were quick to express their support. "I'm a YES to overturn the declaration," Democratic Senator Brian Schatz tweeted. Meanwhile, House Democrat Linda Sanchez, of California, said she was "proud" to support Castro's resolution.

Pelosi on warpath with Trump again, calls for support to halt US president's 'emergency'

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has claimed that she had to cancel her trip to war-torn Afghanistan as the White House had "leaked" her plans to fly commercially and caused a security risk.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump had Friday denied Pelosi's "excursion" to Brussels and war-torn Afghanistan, a tit-for-tat retaliation for her suggesting him to reschedule his annual State of the Union address slated for January 29. The speaker had made the suggestion citing security concerns triggered by a nearly four-week federal government shutdown.

The developments have only deepened the divide between the Trump-led Republican party and Pelosi-led Democrats which are already at loggerhead over the US-Mexico border issue that led to the shutdown.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Speaker Pelosi accused Trump of endangering the lives of Americans by revealing to the world about her trip to Afghanistan.

She told reporters Friday that "any time anyone with a bright light, of the presence of a high-level, or any level of Congressional Delegation in a region, you've heightened the danger. And this was a high power."

Recounting the sequence of events, Pelosi said around 2 pm on Thursday she and other members of a Congressional delegation were in a bus to Andrews Joint Air Base for the military plane headed to Afghanistan.

"Our Members who were on the bus - I was ready to join them for a 2:15 wheels up from here to Andrews Air Force Base to visit our troops, pay our respects; to thank them for their service, their sacrifice and their dedication; to get a measure of the leadership of Afghanistan, strength of their military, the morale of their people, she said.

The speaker said that "it's about governance, it's about security, it's about the civilian affairs in the country as we make our oversight decisions about our policy, the engagement that we have in Afghanistan."

She said the members were on the bus and she was about to join them when the president "cancelled the trip. "It was kind of a funny letter - saying seven days, going to Egypt - somebody didn't tell him it was a quick weekend trip, but nonetheless, that served his purpose,"&nbsp;Pelosi said.

"Forgetting him for a moment, not only that, but we had the prerogative to travel commercially and we made plans to do that until the administration leaked we were travelling commercially and that endangers us," she said.&nbsp;

Pelosi said they were not going to go, claiming that they had a report from Afghanistan that the president outing their trip had made the scene on the ground much more dangerous.

However, Trump alleged that Pelosi and the delegation were headed on an excursion trip.&nbsp;

"Why would Nancy Pelosi leave the country with other Democrats on a seven-day excursion when 800,000 great people are not getting paid. Also, could somebody please explain to Nancy and her "big donors"&nbsp;in wine country that people working on farms (grapes) will have easy access in!"&nbsp;Trump charged. 
The White House denied Pelosi's allegations, with a senior administration official saying that. When the speaker and about 20 others from Capitol Hill decide to book their "own commercial flights to Afghanistan, the world is going to find out".&nbsp;

The idea we would leak anything that would put the safety and security of any American at risk is a flat out lie," the official said.

Speaker Pelosi said one never gives advance notice of going into a battle area."You just never do. Perhaps the President's inexperience, didn't have him understand that protocol. The people around him, though, should have known that. That's very dangerous,"&nbsp;she alleged.

The president's statement has made it "dangerous for our travel". The fact that they would leak that we were flying commercial is a danger not only to us but to other people flying commercially, Pelosi, who is third in line to the presidency, said.&nbsp;

"We'll go again. We'll go another time. This would have been my ninth trip,"&nbsp;she said.

Earlier, her spokesman Drew Hammill said in a statement that "in the middle of the night, the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service provided an updated threat assessment detailing that the President announcing this sensitive travel had significantly increased the danger to the delegation and to the troops, security, and other officials supporting the trip.

He said the visit's purpose was to express appreciation to US troops and obtain "critical" briefings from them. The trip did not have Egypt as a stop.

Congresswoman Susan Davis, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, said for a president to cancel and leak the details of a speaker's trip to a war zone is beyond reckless.

"The importance of confidentiality until members and those accompanying safely returned from their mission is paramount. Not only did he and his staff endanger the Speaker and other members on the trip, but he also endangered our troops, security personnel, and the other travellers on our flights,"&nbsp;Davis said.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has claimed that she had to cancel her trip to war-torn Afghanistan as the White House had "leaked" her plans to fly commercially and caused a security risk.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has claimed that she had to cancel her trip to war-torn Afghanistan as the White House had "leaked" her plans to fly commercially and caused a security risk. US President Donald Trump had Friday denied Pelosi's "excursion" to Brussels and war-torn Afghanistan, a tit-for-tat retaliation for her suggesting him to reschedule his annual State of the Union address slated for January 29. The speaker had made the suggestion citing security concerns triggered by a nearly four-week federal government shutdown. The developments have only deepened the divide between the Trump-led Republican party and Pelosi-led Democrats which are already at loggerhead over the US-Mexico border issue that led to the shutdown. Speaker Pelosi accused Trump of endangering the lives of Americans by revealing to the world about her trip to Afghanistan. She told reporters Friday that "any time anyone with a bright light, of the presence of a high-level, or any level of Congressional Delegation in a region, you've heightened the danger. And this was a high power." Recounting the sequence of events, Pelosi said around 2 pm on Thursday she and other members of a Congressional delegation were in a bus to Andrews Joint Air Base for the military plane headed to Afghanistan. "Our Members who were on the bus - I was ready to join them for a 2:15 wheels up from here to Andrews Air Force Base to visit our troops, pay our respects; to thank them for their service, their sacrifice and their dedication; to get a measure of the leadership of Afghanistan, strength of their military, the morale of their people, she said. The speaker said that "it's about governance, it's about security, it's about the civilian affairs in the country as we make our oversight decisions about our policy, the engagement that we have in Afghanistan." She said the members were on the bus and she was about to join them when the president "cancelled the trip. "It was kind of a funny letter - saying seven days, going to Egypt - somebody didn't tell him it was a quick weekend trip, but nonetheless, that served his purpose," Pelosi said. "Forgetting him for a moment, not only that, but we had the prerogative to travel commercially and we made plans to do that until the administration leaked we were travelling commercially and that endangers us," she said. Pelosi said they were not going to go, claiming that they had a report from Afghanistan that the president outing their trip had made the scene on the ground much more dangerous. However, Trump alleged that Pelosi and the delegation were headed on an excursion trip. "Why would Nancy Pelosi leave the country with other Democrats on a seven-day excursion when 800,000 great people are not getting paid. Also, could somebody please explain to Nancy and her "big donors" in wine country that people working on farms (grapes) will have easy access in!" Trump charged. The White House denied Pelosi's allegations, with a senior administration official saying that. When the speaker and about 20 others from Capitol Hill decide to book their "own commercial flights to Afghanistan, the world is going to find out". The idea we would leak anything that would put the safety and security of any American at risk is a flat out lie," the official said. Speaker Pelosi said one never gives advance notice of going into a battle area."You just never do. Perhaps the President's inexperience, didn't have him understand that protocol. The people around him, though, should have known that. That's very dangerous," she alleged. The president's statement has made it "dangerous for our travel". The fact that they would leak that we were flying commercial is a danger not only to us but to other people flying commercially, Pelosi, who is third in line to the presidency, said. "We'll go again. We'll go another time. This would have been my ninth trip," she said. Earlier, her spokesman Drew Hammill said in a statement that "in the middle of the night, the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service provided an updated threat assessment detailing that the President announcing this sensitive travel had significantly increased the danger to the delegation and to the troops, security, and other officials supporting the trip. He said the visit's purpose was to express appreciation to US troops and obtain "critical" briefings from them. The trip did not have Egypt as a stop. Congresswoman Susan Davis, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, said for a president to cancel and leak the details of a speaker's trip to a war zone is beyond reckless. "The importance of confidentiality until members and those accompanying safely returned from their mission is paramount. Not only did he and his staff endanger the Speaker and other members on the trip, but he also endangered our troops, security personnel, and the other travellers on our flights," Davis said.

Pelosi cancels Afghanistan trip, cites security risk

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.

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<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>
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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

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