Share
News

Senior Democrat Floats Giving Trump His $5.7 Billion, But Not for a Wall

Share

The third most powerful Democrat in the House of Representatives has raised the possibility of giving into President Donald Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion in border security, but with the caveat that it not go toward construction of a wall.

“We see ourselves fulfilling that request” with a “smart wall,” South Carolina Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn said to reporters on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Clyburn suggested a compromise bill that could include funding for more border patrol agents, x-rays, sensors and drones.

However, the House Majority Whip said such legislation would bar funding for a border wall.

The proposal, if passed in the House, would likely die in the Republican-controlled Senate and would certainly not be signed if it reached President Donald Trump’s desk.

The president has stood firm in his demand for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

However, the $5.7 billion he’s requesting goes toward much more than just wall construction.

Trump’s border security package also includes $675 million for increased inspection technology, $571 million for another 2,000 law enforcement agents, $563 million to fund 75 more immigration judges and staff to handle the backlogged immigration courts, and $211 million to hire an additional 750 Border Patrol agents.

While the offer would likely not suffice Trump’s demands, Clyburn’s proposal is a major shift from statements he made just a few days ago.

Would Trump actually go for this?

“(U)ntil the President releases his hostages — federal workers and the American people — there will be no negotiation,” the South Carolina Democrat said after Trump’s Saturday address.

“End the shutdown now, and we can consider how a compromise giving lasting protections for Dreamers and TPS recipients may lead to a deal on border security.”

The Democratic leader’s pivot comes as the partial government shutdown entered its 33rd day on Wednesday, the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

The president offered a “common-sense compromise” on Saturday, an offer that includes funding for the border wall in exchange for DACA protections for Dreamers and extended legal status for Temporary Protected Status holders.

However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi immediately rejected the compromise.

Related:
Did She Really Just Say That? Fox Host Sparks Fury in Viewers After 'Nail in the Coffin' Comment About Trump

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , ,
Share
Founded by Tucker Carlson, a 25-year veteran of print and broadcast media, and Neil Patel, former chief policy adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, The Daily Caller News Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing original investigative reporting from a team of professional reporters that operates for the public benefit. Photo credit: @DailyCaller on Twitter




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation