President Donald Trump said he is supportive of shutting down the government if Congress fails to appropriate funds for the border wall during a rally in Phoenix, Ariz., Tuesday.
Trump said building the wall along the border of Mexico is a necessary component in improving national security, noting he plans to make good on his campaign promise to secure the borders. Since taking office, the president has put a strong emphasis on cracking down on illegal immigration, calling on lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at defunding sanctuary cities and pushing for wall funding.
The wall has received strong pushback from congressional Democrats who argue building the structure would be expensive and ineffective.
“Now the obstructionist Democrats would like us not to do it, but believe me — if we have to close down our government, we’re building that wall,” he told the cheering crowd. “Let me be very clear to Democrats in Congress who oppose the border wall and stand in the way of border security, you are putting all of America’s safety at risk.”
Funding the government is slated to be one of Congress’ top priorities when lawmakers get back from their August recess because current funding expires on Sept. 30. Republican leadership will likely need some Democratic support to pass the spending measure through both chambers.
The House passed a minibus ahead of recess that included $1.6 billion for a physical barrier along the southern border.
Trump could veto a spending bill that doesn’t include funding for the wall.
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