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Moran Hopeful Shutdown Resolution Includes 'Bigger Solution' To Immigration Issues

Sen. Jerry Moran talks to reporters Friday during a stop in Wichita. He says he's optimistic the partial government shutdown will end soon.
Andrew Linnabary
/
KMUW
Sen. Jerry Moran talks to reporters Friday during a stop in Wichita. He says he's optimistic the partial government shutdown will end soon.

With the partial government shutdown now nearing a third week, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas is hopeful President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders will reach a resolution soon — one that includes sweeping changes to immigration policy.

During a stop Friday in Wichita, Moran said he’s optimistic, but "this seems to me that a lot of heels have been dug in, and there’s not a short-term resolution.”

The main debate is over funding for a wall along the southern U.S. border. But Moran said there’s a chance for a solution that also deals with other topics related to immigration, including labor issues for immigrants in agriculture and tech fields, and family reunification.

"Could we have a bigger solution and not just solve a narrow problem?" Moran said. "And get immigration issues — including border security, the wall — behind us so we've accomplished more, not less?"

He said any resolution will need give and take from both sides, but he says it’s “inconceivable” that the Republican-led Senate will vote on a bill the president wouldn't sign.

Follow Nadya Faulx on Twitter @NadyaFaulx. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.

Copyright 2019 KMUW | NPR for Wichita

Nadya joined KMUW in May 2015 (which will sound more impressive when it’s not June 2015) after a year at a newspaper in western North Dakota, where she did not pick up an accent.