Agreements Beyond Trump’s Wall
Trump’s Wall | Photo Credit CNN On Monday, the White House tried to calm down Congress over-spending and Trump lessened his demand so they could hopefully find a common ground, to keep the federal government open and begin border wall construction.
Despite the looming deadline, the Trump administration continues to exude confidence that a shutdown can be avoided. White House officials have also shown signs that the president may be open to an agreement that includes border protection beyond the wall, within technology and border agents.
One White House official even said Trump could delay constructions until September.
White House Believes They Can Avoid Shutdown
Sean Spicer | Photo Credit Washington Post
“The president is working hard to keep the government open,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. In addition, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said he was “very confident” they could avoid a shutdown.
The main issue is whether or not the funds will allow for Trump to begin construction on a U.S.-Mexico wall, which was one of his main promises on the campaign trail.
Trump wants to keep his promises, if Congress will let him.
New Estimates For The Wall To Begin
Border Wall | Photo Credit Getty Images
The Washington Post reports:
“Trump has asked Congress for $1.5 billion in new money to start construction on the wall, and he wants an additional $2.6 billion for the fiscal year that begins in October. The wall, experts say, would cost $21.6 billion and take 3½ years to construct.”
“At the White House, Spicer portrayed Trump’s position not as a demand but rather as one of two priorities — the other being additional military funding — in evolving negotiations with Congress. He left open the possibility that the president could agree to funding for border activities generally, such as additional fencing or drones. “I’m not going to get ahead of the negotiations that are ongoing,” Spicer said.”
