Rep. Joe Kennedy III On Immigration Debate And Reflecting On 2018 For Democrats

With one week before the government runs out of money, Democrats and Republicans have been negotiating on a budget to avoid a government shutdown.

The issues on the table include an immigration deal: Republicans want money for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and to restrict family reunification visas. Meanwhile Democrats want to save DACA, also known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. That's the Obama-era program which protects undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation and gives them work permits.

Without a deal, DACA will end on March 5.

It was in the midst of immigration negotiations that President Trump is said to have used vulgar language to refer to certain countries. The president says he used, quote, "rough language" but not the vulgar expression.

Congressman Joe Kennedy III, who represents the 4th district, joined Radio Boston on Friday as part of a series with members of the Massachusetts delegation. Rep. Kennedy reacted to the overnight developments and the president's denial.

Rep. Joe Kennedy III, congressman representing the Massachusetts 4th District. He tweets @RepJoeKennedy.