White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters. UPI=Yonhap News. The White House announced on the 12th (local time) that President Donald Trump is expected to sign a temporary budget bill to end the 43-day federal government shutdown on the night of the same day, if it passes the House of Representatives.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated during a press briefing that "President Trump is eager to finally end this destructive Democratic shutdown with his signature," adding, "We hope the signing ceremony will take place late tonight."

A package of spending bills, including a temporary federal budget for until January 30th of next year, passed the Senate on the 10th and is scheduled for a House vote later today. If the budget bill is approved by the House, it will officially take effect after President Trump's signature.

Jean-Pierre criticized, asking, "Why have Democrats made American citizens suffer like this for 43 consecutive days?" and attributed it to "purely partisan politics."

She further commented on the Democrats blocking the Republican budget proposal by demanding an extension of subsidies for "Obamacare" that are set to expire at the end of the year, calling it "an absurd demand to provide taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits to illegal immigrants who have invaded our country" and stating that they have "taken the country hostage to negotiate over a healthcare system they created."

She also criticized that "the Democratic shutdown has made it extremely difficult for economists, investors, and Federal Reserve policymakers to receive important government data," adding that "Democrats may have permanently damaged the federal statistical system."

She further stated that "it is highly likely that the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) and employment trend reports will never be released, and (even if released) all economic data will be permanently damaged."

Jean-Pierre acknowledged that "Obamacare is a 'broken system' that has dramatically increased national healthcare costs," but added, "Once the government is back in operation, President Trump is fully open to having conversations regarding healthcare policy."

However, she added, "We cannot leave it to the very people who created the broken system to fix it," and stated, "You will see President Trump present very good policy proposals that Democrats should take seriously."

Regarding President Trump's proposal to provide a dividend of $2,000 (approximately 2.86 million won) to everyone except high-income earners from tariff revenue, Jean-Pierre said, "The White House is committed to making that a reality and is reviewing all legal avenues to do so."

She emphasized that prices have improved compared to the previous administration due to lower energy costs and drug prices since President Trump took office, and stated that "next year, American citizens will be able to put more money in their pockets" due to measures such as middle-class tax cuts.

When asked if the White House supports the introduction of a 50-year mortgage, Jean-Pierre said, "This is a proposal that the President himself has mentioned," adding, "The administration is discussing it and seriously considering it."

Earlier, President Trump's post on the social media platform Truth Social on the 8th, hinting at the promotion of a 50-year mortgage policy, sparked controversy. Criticism was raised that longer mortgage maturities could stimulate housing prices.

In a subsequent interview with Fox News, President Trump said, "A 50-year mortgage means a slightly lower monthly payment," adding, "It's just a longer term, not a big change, and it could be helpful."

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