GOVERNMENT/LEGISLATION/MIDDLE EAST/SENATE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Senate Democrats blocked action on a bill unrelated to the ongoing government shutdown Tuesday [1-8-19], in protest of President Donald Trump’s demands to fund a controversial border wall with Mexico in exchange for reopening the agencies. The move escalated an already tense situation between the parties as Democrats weighed whether to extend their objections to all legislation until the impasse is broken, something that could cripple the chamber and add to the dysfunction in the nation’s capital. The vote — the first roll call of the new session — came on a package of bipartisan bills related to US support for Israel and Jordan and new sanctions against the Syrian regime. Needing 60 votes to break a filibuster, the motion was defeated 56-44. Three Democrats from red states voted with Republicans: Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Doug Jones of Alabama, and Krysten Sinema of Arizona. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey also broke with his party to vote with Republicans.”
–Ted Barrett, “Democrats block Middle East bill in the Senate over shutdown,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, January 8, 2019 7:47 pm