Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham told House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic caucus on Friday that there would not be a deal on a funding bill unless it included appropriations to construct a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
“To Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats,” Graham tweeted. “No Wall Money, No Deal.”
To Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats:
No Wall Money, No Deal.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 28, 2018
The House passed a stopgap funding bill on Dec. 20 that included $5.7 billion for a border wall, however, with a 51-seat majority in the Senate, Republicans fell short of the necessary 60 votes needed to send it to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to kill the legislation on arrival in the Senate, and consequently, a government shutdown has been in effect since funding expired Dec. 21. (RELATED: Lindsey Graham Urges Trump To ‘Dig In And Not Give In’ To Get Border Wall Funding)
Pelosi has reportedly walked away from further shutdown negotiations and pledged not to appropriate a single dollar toward funding a wall. The California congresswoman promised to put forth a funding bill that does not include any of Trump’s demands when she assumes the speakership in January.
President Donald Trump speaks next to Vice President Mike Pence while meeting with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi at the White House. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Graham has been a vocal advocate for building a wall. In early December he urged Trump not to concede funding, but rather stand strong and require at least $5 billion in appropriations.
“If I were the president, I would dig in and not give in on additional wall funding — I’d want the whole $5 billion because the caravan is a game changer,” the South Carolina senator said. “$1.6 billion is available to the president, he wants $5 billion, and after the caravan, if you don’t see the need for additional border wall security, you’re just not paying much attention.”
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