BORDER/DEMS/GOP/SENATE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “The Senate’s top Republican on Tuesday [2-5-19] pushed congressional bargainers to reach a border security deal without first getting President Donald Trump’s approval, a month after the impulsive president scuttled an apparent bipartisan deal and triggered a historically long federal shutdown. Capitol Hill talks to resolve an impasse over Trump’s demands for billions of dollars for his long-sought border wall were making progress, participants said. But with lawmakers facing a deadline to complete their work by Feb. 15 or confront a renewed shutdown, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he’s not seeking Trump’s blessing in advance. McConnell’s tactic could remove a significant hurdle confronting the talks. Trump’s demands have shifted abruptly on several issues during his two years in the White House, and top Republicans seem to feel that the best course will be for them to focus on reaching a compromise with Democrats.”
–Associated Press, “GOP Leader Wants Border Deal With Hope That Trump Will OK It,” The New York Times online, February 5, 2019