Suozzi and Fellow Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus Meet With President Trump at White House

Press Release

Democratic and Republican members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, including Congressman Tom Suozzi (D -- Long Island, Queens), on Wednesday, January 16, met at the White House with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the Situation Room in an effort to end the shutdown. After the meeting, the White House and the Members reported listening to each other and having a productive conversation. Democrats at the meeting, including Suozzi, stood firm in their support for Democratic leadership, telling the President that he first must open the government before negotiations on border security can begin.

While Congressman Suozzi supports additional funding for border security, including more physical barriers as well as radar, increased patrols and bolstering ports of entry, he also believes Democrats must receive something in return, such as protections for the " Dreamers" and those immigrants currently with temporary legal status under DACA and the Temporary Protected Status program, and their families.

"When I was elected to Congress, I promised to work with anyone, regardless of party, to tackle serious problems facing our country," said Suozzi. "Although I strongly disagree with the President's strategy of holding federal employees hostage over these negotiations, it is my job to govern and I agree with the Democratic leadership that the government must be reopened immediately and then we can work on a border security agreement."

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