NH Senators Praise Deal To End Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC — New Hampshire's U.S. senators on Friday praised a deal to end the longest government shutdown in the country's history. President Trump announced that he will sign a bill to reopen the government through Feb. 15. Federal workers are expected to receive back pay immediately.

"This shutdown is reckless and completely unnecessary, and shouldn’t have ever happened," Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said in a statement.

Added fellow Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, "I’m relieved that the President finally agreed to reopen the government ... Countless Americans have suffered."

Friday marked the 35th day of the shutdown. At Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, charity workers handed out free meals to federal employees who have been working without pay. Flights were halted at New York City's LaGuardia Airport, causing delays across the country.

The halt to the shutdown could be short-lived, as Trump demanded lawmakers agree to funding for a border wall along Mexico.

"We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier," Trump said during an address from the White House. "If we don't get a fair deal from Congress the government will either shut down on Feb. 15 again ... Or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the constitution of the United States to address this emergency."

Shaheen added, "Border security remains a bipartisan priority and I hope this agreement will provide a valuable opportunity to stem the flow of drugs coming across the border and make needed reforms to our immigration system."

Material from the Associated Press was used in the report

Photo: President Donald Trump announces a deal to temporarily reopen the government, in the Rose Garden of the White House, Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, in Washington. (Credit: Evan Vucci/Associated Press Photo)