Let’s stay open for business

Let's stay open for business Last night, Congress passed a short-term funding measure that keeps the federal government open while lawmakers continue to work on a long-term budget deal. President Donald J. Trump lent his support to that effort yesterday, hosting both Democratic and Republican congressional leaders in the Oval Office. Although Congress is ultimately responsible for reaching a compromise that keeps the government open into next year, the White House understands its important leadership role in outlining what a lasting solution must achieve. "This is a time of great opportunity in this country," said Vice President Mike Pence. "We're seeing growth at home, but we have many challenges abroad." Press Secretary Sarah Sanders underscored that some funding priorities must transcend politics, including the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Yesterday's meeting at the White House was an encouraging sign that leaders on both sides of the aisle agree. "We're all here as a very friendly, well-unified group," said President Trump. "We hope that we're going to make some great progress for our country." Read the President and Vice President's full remarks here. 'We welcome this courageous decision' America's alliances are important: They drive our ability to both defend the homeland and eliminate threats long before they reach our shores. And of America's allies, Israel is especially crucial, partnering with the U.S. to share intelligence and other assets that keep us safe from terrorism. So it's no small matter that leaders across Israel quickly expressed support for President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the country's capital. "We're profoundly grateful," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "This decision reflects the President's commitment to an ancient but enduring truth, to fulfilling his promises and to advancing peace." Danny Danon, Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, echoed those remarks. "We welcome this courageous decision," he said. "President Trump righted a historic wrong." Read more statements from Israeli and U.S. officials here. WWJKD: What Would Jack Kemp do? Vice President Pence joined the Jack Kemp Foundation's annual award dinner last night, which honored Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) as this year's recipient. "Jack Kemp was a hero of mine," the Vice President said. And he explained why Kemp, the late Republican statesman, should loom large over this month's tax reform proceedings on Capitol Hill. "What Jack Kemp understood was that a tax code is more than just an accounting document," he said. "He knew better than most that it's really a statement of the values of our nation." Read Vice President Pence's full remarks here. Photo of the Day President Donald J. Trump signs a proclamation for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2017 | December 7, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) POTUS TODAY Today, President Trump will have lunch with Vice President Pence. Later, the President will meet with Secretary of Defense James Mattis in the Oval Office. COMING UP Tomorrow, the President will attend the opening celebration for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.