Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden held several town halls this weekend where the government shutdown and border security were key topics of discussion. The Democrat says he’s hearing from Oregonians who have been affected by the shutdown, from those who are missing paychecks, to those who can’t get access to federal agencies for loan processing or IRS questions.
Wyden tells KLCC his constituents don’t agree with President Trump’s assertion that a border wall is necessary. He says “they want strong border security, they understand that that means people at the border, technology, fortified fencing and drones, but they don't buy this case that the wall is the way to proceed.”
He adds that the priority right now should be opening the government and then a bi-partisan discussion of border security can take place.
More than 11,000 Oregonians are going unpaid as the shutdown continues into the fifth week.
