Democrats’ Opening Offer in Conference Committee: No Wall Money

By RJ Hauman | February 1, 2019

Coming as a surprise to almost no one, congressional Democrats’ opening offer in conference committee negotiations over a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending bill did not contain any border wall funding. The unserious offer included money for new customs agents, technology, and humanitarian relief – all of which would do little to address the crisis at the southern border.

It’s an offer that President Trump is certain to refuse, as evidenced by his tweets last week. Trump said Republicans are “wasting their time” talking with Democrats if they “are not going to give money to build the DESPERATELY needed WALL!”

Lawmakers on the conference committee have until Feb. 15 to reach a deal. If they fail to come up with legislation that Trump is willing to sign, the president indicated he is willing to allow another partial government shutdown. He also floated the idea of obtaining wall funding by declaring a national emergency at the border – a move that is certain to face legal challenges from open borders groups.

View a summary of the Democrats’ proposal.

Stay tuned to FAIR as conference negotiations continue…