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White House Changes Public Voicemail to Blame Democrats for Holding Government 'Hostage'

White House
Getty Images
January 22, 2018

The White House on Sunday changed the voicemail for its public comment telephone line to blame Democrats for the current government shutdown.

The comment line, which can be reached at 202-456-1111, gives citizens a chance to leave a voice message for President Donald Trump, but over the weekend it was not accepting calls, CNN reported.

Callers were greeted by a recording of a woman blaming Democrats for holding government funding "hostage" and telling them to send an email to the White House.

"Thank you for calling the White House. Unfortunately, we cannot answer your call today because congressional Democrats are holding government funding, including funding for our troops and other national security priorities, hostage to an unrelated immigration debate," the message says.

"Due to this obstruction, the government is shut down," the message continues. "In the meantime, you can leave a comment for the president at www.whitehouse.gov/contact. We look forward to taking your calls as soon as the government reopens."

The government shut down Friday at midnight after lawmakers were unable to agree on a short-term spending bill to fund the government for 30 days. One of the key obstacles to reaching a deal has been how to address the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), which provides legal protections to Dreamers, immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Many Democrats have said they will oppose any government-funding bill that does not preserve DACA and protect Dreamers.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) on Sunday evening announced that the Senate will vote at noon Monday to fund the government through Feb. 8 with a continuing resolution.