We’re seeing reports that the omnibus spending bill making its way through Congress will shortchange President Donald Trump’s request for $25 billion in funding for a border wall by $24.359 billion. Oh, and the $641 million can’t be for a concrete wall:
Source says omni near a deal, will include $641m for 33 miles of non-concrete border barrier; $1.2b for border tech.
— Niv Elis (@NivElis) March 21, 2018
They're hoping for text this AM, following a leadership meeting that begins in an hour.
— Niv Elis (@NivElis) March 21, 2018
Also includes $10b in new infrastructure funding, $2.8 billion in opioid funding, and $687 million to secure US elections/combat Russian cyber-meddling.
— Niv Elis (@NivElis) March 21, 2018
So $1.6 billion in total for border security?
Omni In/Out list, per source:
* $1.6b for border security –> technology & 33 miles of fencing, not wall
* Funding for Gateway through increases to Amtrak
* No defunding sanctuary cities
* $2.8b for opioid crisis— Ylan Q. Mui (@ylanmui) March 21, 2018
This won’t go over very well:
Well short of President Trump's $25B request https://t.co/QBpLvaVAPE
— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) March 21, 2018
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More from the Washington Post:
According to the three officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive negotiations, the spending deal includes $1.6 billion in funding for border-wall construction — delivering taxpayer funds to a key Trump priority.
But the number is far short of the $25 billion the administration sought. Democrats also won tight restrictions on how the money can be spent, two officials said.
Over to you, White House.
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