US lawmakers reach deal 'in principle' to avert shutdown

Tuesday, 12 February 2019 08:29

Democrats and Republicans have reached an “agreement in principle” on border security funding that would avert a second government shutdown.

The deal, which had been struck in a closed-door meeting in Washington, does not provide for a wall President Donald Trump demands.

It, however, includes US$1.37 billion for erecting new fencing along the southern border.

Speaking at a rally in Texas, Trump did not say whether he would back the deal. "We're building the wall anyway," he stressed.

Trump’s demand for US$5.7 billion to build the border wall triggered a 35-day partial government shutdown, the longest in US history.

A bill must be approved by Friday.

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