Rep Steve Scalise (R) - LA
Time is running out for lawmakers in DC to cut a funding deal to prevent yet another government shutdown by the 15th. The debate still centers on money for an additional physical border wall, and Congressman Steve Scalise says the actual deadline is likely even sooner than Friday night.
“If we are going to have enough time to put it all together in bill format and be voted on by Friday, they would have to reach an agreement today.”
President Trump is seeking 5.7 billion in funding for the wall. Democrats say they will not authorize it.
Compromise legislation rejected by the President in December included 1.6 billion in border security money, but did not include border wall funding. Scalise says he and other Republicans have grown frustrated with their Democratic colleague’s refusal to even offer a counter to the President’s 5.7 billion dollar demand.
“If they are not willing to support that amount then they have to put some amount on the table that they are willing to support to secure the border.”
The last shutdown, which ran from late December through late January was the longest in federal government history.
Scalise says other Democratic priorities could be considered if the caucus were to OK the money the President is seeking.
“The President has put multiple different options on the table, offering other things, even offering to negotiate on DACA.
President Donald Trump and his allies have indicated he may declare a national emergency to pay for the wall if Democrats refuse to provide wall funding.
