House Republicans next week will advance legislation that would provide $10 billion in funding for the border wall that President Trump promised during last year’s campaign.
The House Homeland Security Committee will mark up the Border Security for America Act, which would allow $10 billion in spending for the wall and related border security measures, including fencing, technology, air assets, and other deterrents.
It would also provide $5 billion for security at legal ports of entry, add 5,000 border patrol agents, boost air and sea support, and authorize the use of the National Guard along the border.
“This bill will provide the Department of Homeland Security the tools necessary to achieve full operational control and situational awareness of the border by providing for a wall, cutting edge technology, and more boots on the ground,” said Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, who sponsored the bill.
McCaul proposed the bill in July, and in doing so, threw cold water on a proposal from Democrats to pass a much softer border bill this year, one that would only require the Department of Homeland Security to study ways to boost border security.
McCaul proposed the softer border bill in 2013, and Democrats were hoping that plan could be part of a deal on immigration this year.
But McCaul indicated Wednesday that it’s time to work with Trump on a more tangible solution that’s backed by significant funding.
“We have been talking about border security for years,” he said. “Now that we have a partner in the White House who has made this a top priority, it’s time to send a bill to President Trump’s desk so we can deliver the American people the security they have long demanded and deserve.”
McCaul’s committee is expected to mark up the bill on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
