Democrats, Republicans Reach ‘Agreement In Principle’ On Border Wall Funding

Congressional Democrats and Republicans have reached an “agreement in principle” on proposed border security funding just days ahead of another potential shutdown.

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) told reporters that he believes Trump will approve the compromise.

“We think it’s going to work,” he said. “We had some hard negotiations.”

The two major points of contention have been how much money will be approved for physical barriers and how many placing a cap on the number of illegal aliens ICE may hold in custody at any given time.

According to a report, the tentative deal provides $1.375 billion for 55 miles of physical barriers at the U.S. – Mexico Border, much less than border agencies had requested. Multiple sources have confirmed that the money can be used for steel slat fencing such as that requested by President Trump but not a concrete wall. The wall wording, and refusal to fund barriers at the requested level is likely a political play to the anti-Trump Democratic party base.

Sources said that the 55 miles of barrier can only be built in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas.

DHS is also reportedly to get $1.7 billion in additional funding for customs officers and technology along the border.

In a win for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Democrats relented on their requirement to have a hard cap the number of beds available to detain illegal aliens caught inside the United States.

Both houses must pass funding measures by midnight Friday to avoid another partial government shutdown.

This is a developing story and will be updated as events warrant

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