House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday suggested that President Trump delay his annual State of the Union address, which was scheduled for Jan. 29, because of the partial government shutdown. She cited "security concerns," pointing out that the event requires "weeks of detailed planning with dozens of agencies" that would be difficult to accomplish since "critical departments" are currently "hamstrung by furloughs." Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told CNN that Pelosi's letter means "the State of the Union is off," though he later clarified that the letter wasn't a formal disinvitation. Pelosi suggested she and Trump come up with a new date after the government re-opens or that Trump deliver his address in writing. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said Wednesday afternoon that the department is "fully prepared" for the State of the Union.

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