ITHACA, NY (WSKG) - Today is the 35th day of the partial government shutdown. For New York Republican congressman Tom Reed that’s 35 days too long.
Reed expressed his frustration with the nation's political leadership during a Wednesday morning call with reporters.
"We have the opportunity," said the fourth term Republican, "to show the American people we can do it! Do it, right now! So, anyway, I will get off my pulpit and I will move on to the next question."
Reed said he thought the shutdown was a bad way to handle the budget situation and could have been avoided.
Even so, he supports the President’s most recent proposal, which would allow DACA immigrants continued but temporary sanctuary in this country. Reed believes it shows "tremendous movement" by Trump. Now, the congressman says it’s up the Democratic leaders to compromise.
Reed will hold three town hall meetings this Saturday in his district. He represents New York’s 23rd congressional district which stretches across the Southern Tier from Chautauqua to Tioga Counties.