Democrats and Republicans Reach ‘Agreement in Principle’ on Border Wall Funding
Democrats and Republicans in Congress have reached an “agreement in principle” on President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall funding, as the government is days away from a potential shutdown.
The agreement reportedly includes $1.375 billion for physical barriers. The fencing under consideration has been bollard-style fencing, or steel beams filled with concrete and rebar. There would also be nearly a 17 percent drop in ICE beds, bringing the number down to 40,520 beds overall, a loss of more than 8,000 beds. Republicans have pushed back against this loss, saying more criminals will be on the streets if they are not in ICE custody.
“We need to listen to the border security and law enforcement professionals as we negotiate an agreement on border security funding. The National Sheriff’s Association has warned against the Democrats’ proposal to limit ICE’s ability to detain violent criminals. We need to listen to the law enforcement professionals so that we can reach a result that protects our national security,” North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven told TheDCNF Monday afternoon.
Alabama Republican Sen. Richard Shelby told reporters on Capitol Hill that he believes Trump will approve of the agreement, according to Fox News. This comes as both House and Senate lawmakers met at a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill.
The government is set to shut down on Feb. 15, giving Congress just four days to put forward legislation which Trump would sign to keep a number of government agencies open.
If Trump does not agree with lawmakers, he could declare a national emergency, which lawmakers such as South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham have been pushing for.
Republican lawmakers will now have to put together a bill that a number of Democrats will also support. Otherwise Trump’s only options would be lowering his requested $5.7 billion for border security or declaring a national emergency.
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