One point of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats is whether the border security funding covers a “wall” — Trump’s signature campaign promise.
The deal provides $1.4 billion that will fund approximately 55 new miles of border barriers. The amount remains far below Trump’s $5.7 billion demand in wall funds, which led to a 35-day partial government shutdown in December and January.
Under the agreement, the barriers must adhere to currently deployed designs, including the “steel slats” that Trump has said could be acceptable for security.
However, the proposal excludes the possibility of building wall based on any of the
eight prototypes commissioned by Trump and built in the San Diego area.
Whether lawmakers describe the current barriers on the border as “wall“ or “fencing” often falls along party lines — and that trend continued Tuesday.
A Republican summary of the deal said it allocates the money “for the border wall.” But Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said in a written statement that the proposal would pay for “fencing in Texas“ that equaled the funding boost provided last year.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took a third path and said the funds would pay for “new border barriers“ when touting the agreement on the Senate floor Tuesday.