Lawmakers react to agreement to reopen government

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The longest government shutdown is expected to end as the President announced he would agree to fund the government for three weeks.

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann said he’s pleased with the President.

“That will give the House, Senate and White House negotiators an opportunity to sit down and try to come up with an agreement that all parties can live with. I think that is very important. If that does not happen, then the President will have to look at his other options. Let’s hope we can get to work and get an agreement that all parties can live with,” Congressman Fleischmann said.

President Trump has continued to push for border wall funding during the partial shutdown.

Congressman Fleischmann said he still thinks the President will eventually get what he wants.

“He will, because he’s got options available to him hopefully that he won’t have to play, cards that he doesn’t have to play,” Congressman Fleischmann said.

Senator Marsha Blackburn said in a statement on Twitter that she will continue to support a border barrier.

“I will continue to support our border patrol and their three essential needs: a border barrier, additional technology and more officers and agents on the border. I also support ending the DACA program, chain migration and the visa lottery system,” Senator Blackburn said.

Senator Lamar Alexander also tweeted out in a statement, “Now it is time for Congress to go to work and produce a bill that includes a comprehensive approach to border security including physical barriers where appropriate.

Hamilton County Democratic Party Vice Chair Rachel Campbell shared her thoughts on the national situation and whether an agreement can be made over the next few weeks.

“What I’m concerned about is the difference in what you know what I think the democrats consider border security and the wall are two different things,” Campbell said. “I think that border security is a lot more nuanced than just building a wall.”