The Trump administration is backing off its demand for $8.6 billion in fiscal 2020 border wall spending in negotiations with top congressional leaders and appropriators, according to a source familiar with the talks.
That’s not just a recognition of reality — Congress hasn’t appropriated more than $1.375 billion for the wall in each of the past two fiscal years. It also reflects a realization that the administration risks losing a substantial boost in military spending and other GOP priorities if current stopgap funds end up extended for the entire fiscal year.
“The bazaar is open, no reasonable offer refused. It’s time for the Hill to make them a proposal,” the source said.
View the complete November 5 article by Jennifer Shutt on The Roll Call website here.