Bipartisan group reaches deal to avoid another US shutdown over Mexico border wall – but will Trump support it?
US politicians thrashed out a finance deal late last night to prevent a renewed government shutdown, but fears loomed over whether President Donald Trump would support the deal.
Republicans and Democrats secured an agreement which included just under $1.4bn (£1bn) for 55 miles of fencing to be built along the US border with Mexico.
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However, the deal comprises $4bn less than Trump has demanded for the wall, which he wants to make 215 miles long, sparking fears that the bi-partisan progress could be stalled by the White House.
Trump, whose signature is required for the deal to come into force, told supporters at a rally in Texas last night: "Just so you know, we’re building the wall anyway".
Last night Senate Appropriations Committee chair Richard Shelby said that a bipartisan group of members from the House and Senate had "reached an agreement in principle".
The news comes after Trump agreed with Congress late last month to a temporary funding measure to keep nine federal departments open, with plans to negotiate a funding solution by 8 February.
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Funding over a US-Mexico wall was at the centre of the row that prompted the longest government shutdown in US history over Christmas, which lasted 35 days before ending without meeting Trump's demands for $5.7bn being met.