Even the venerable State of the Union address can’t escape shutdown’s bitterness

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday effectively delayed President Trump’s State of the Union address, citing security concerns amid a nearly month-old partial government shutdown, while underscoring the political and policy paralysis behind it. In her letter to Trump, Pelosi said the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security, which are responsible for security at the president’s address, have been “hamstrung” by furloughs. The administration’s initial response came in a tweet Wednesday afternoon from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who said her agency and the Secret Service are “fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union.” Although Pelosi’s letter appeared to be a request, the reality — that, as speaker, she has authority over what happens in the House — was quickly hammered home in more pointed terms by her Democratic lieutenants. Rep. Ro Khanna of Fremont told SiriusXM, “There are certain norms in our democracy that are important to preserve.” Clearly concerned about the shutdown’s impact on many of his supporters, including farmers, Trump has summoned tens of thousands of government employees back to work — without pay.