Trump dislikes border security deal but Republicans urge support
Updated: 2019-02-13 09:25
Congressional Republicans have shown little appetite for another shutdown after taking heavy criticism over the prior one. "I hope he'll decide to sign it," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy also touted the deal.
"I don't think you're going to see a shutdown," Trump said, but he added: "If you did have it, it's the Democrats' fault."
But the most conservative members of the House are unhappy with the deal, a sign it could face trouble if some liberal Democrats also defect over border fencing funding and concerns about the number of beds in immigrant detention facilities.
"Most conservative members are having real heartburn today," Republican Representative Mark Meadows said on Fox News. "I can tell you it's the Democrats that are walking around here on Capitol Hill with a smile on their face today, not Republicans."
'WE'RE BUILDING THE WALL'
Congressional sources said the agreement includes $1.37 billion for new fencing - about the same as last year - along 55 miles (90 km) of the border but only with currently used designs such as "steel bollard" fencing. It also addresses capacity at immigration detention facilities, specifically the number of beds for people awaiting possible deportation.
Trump previously threatened to declare a "national emergency" if Congress did not provide money specifically for the wall, an action under which he might redirect other funds already provided by Congress to pay for wall construction. Fellow Republicans have told Trump such a step would almost certainly draw opposition, both in Congress and in the courts.