Update: In an interesting twist, it looks like Trump has decided on a middle path that will allow him to keep the government open while getting more of his border wall built than Congress had initially authorized.
According to WaPo, Trump will use an executive order to reallocate federal funds to finance the wall – or at least something more than the 55 miles that the compromise bill would finance.
A White House official told The Post this morn that President Trump sees signing the border deal, if passed by Congress, as the way to avoid another shutdown. But, he would also likely pursue an executive order to reallocate federal funds to barrier projects, the official said.
— Robert Costa (@costareports) February 13, 2019
Prompting some to joke…
So Mexico *will* pay for it…
*NEW* Mexico!
— Mark B. Spiegel (@markbspiegel) February 13, 2019
A White House spokesman quoted by Fox reportedly insisted that Trump has “alternative options” for his border wall deal. Assuming he follows through with the plan, it looks like Trump finally got everything he wanted out of the border deal – the next step of the wall will be built, and the government will remain open.
* * *
After telling reporters that he was “not happy” with the compromise border-security bill (which reportedly included some funding for “a barrier”), President Trump will reportedly set aside his dissatisfaction and vote for the bill anyway, according to CNN.
To avert another shutdown, Congress must pass – and the president must sign – the deal by Friday.
The compromise includes $1.375 billion for 55 miles of border barrier, which falls well short of the $5.7 billion Trump had originally demanded. It’s also below the $1.6 billion proposal included in a Senate package last year. Though reports have suggested that Trump is still seriously considering going the ‘national emergency’ route.
Despite his dissatisfaction with the deal, Trump on Tuesday touted the fact that the deal included $23 billion in border
Was just presented the concept and parameters of the Border Security Deal by hard working Senator Richard Shelby. Looking over all aspects knowing that this will be hooked up with lots of money from other sources….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2019
….Will be getting almost $23 BILLION for Border Security. Regardless of Wall money, it is being built as we speak!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2019
Leave a Reply