House speaker asks Trump to delay State of Union speech

By Michael Hernandez</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AA) – U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged President Donald Trump on Wednesday to delay his State of the Union address as long as the partial government shutdown is ongoing.</p> <p>Alternatively, Pelosi wrote in a letter to the president, Trump could submit his speech in writing to the Congress if he wishes to go forward with the planned Jan. 29 national address. </p> <p>Pelso said the shutdown, now on day 26, has stymied the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security &quot;with critical departments hamstrung by furloughs.&quot;</p> <p>&quot;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 for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th,&quot; Pelosi wrote. </p> <p>While Pelosi conveyed her letter as a courteous request, it is her decision as to when the House hosts the president for his annual prime-time address to the nation. </p> <p>The House leader further suggested in remarks to reporters that Trump could conduct the State of the Union from the Oval Office if he so chooses.</p> <p>The shutdown is already the longest in U.S. government history, and is set to round out its fourth week on Saturday. </p> <p>Trump insists that lawmakers provide him with nearly $6 billion to fund the construction of his separation barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democrats have so far uniformly rejected the demand, claiming a wall is inefficient and immoral. </p> <p>Democrats have passed several bills to reopen the government without the funding, but Trump has worked alongside congressional Republicans to ensure they do not clear the federal legislature. </p> <p>Public opinion polling indicates the majority of Americans blame the president and congressional Republicans for the funding deadlock, with Trump having the lowest approval ratings in a year.