House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has asked Donald Trump to delay his 29 January State of the Union address because of the partial government shutdown.
In a letter to the US president, Pelosi cited “security concerns” as the reason why she believes he should postpone appearing before a joint session of Congress, and went as far as suggesting he could “submit a written message instead”, The New York Times says.
“Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened,” Pelosi said.
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Politico says the letter was a “daring move, one that appeared to catch the White House off guard”, noting that it showed exactly how Pelosi operates.
“Trump may have finally met his match in Nancy Pelosi,” says the site, and by proposing he reschedule his speech she has “pulled her most aggressive gambit yet”.
The Washington Post says that the State of the Union address usually occurs at the invitation of the House speaker, and that the “House and Senate must pass a resolution to formalise the invitation” – something that has not happened this year.
Financial analysis firm S&P estimates that the shutdown cost the US economy $3.6bn from when it started on 22 December to 11 January.
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