The negotiated spending deal Congress is expected to pass this week does not restore $3.6 billion in funding the Trump administration moved from military construction projects to a border wall construction account.
Democrats said almost all of that money has not been spent and can still fund the intended construction projects.
“If the president chooses to once again steal funding from our troops and their families to pay for his wall, that is a decision that he and Congressional Republicans will have to justify to the women and men who serve and protect our country,” Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in a statement.
A federal court judge in Texas has said it’s unlawful to use money appropriated for installation construction projects for a wall. The White House has said it will appeal that ruling.
Air National Guard photo of Sen. Patrick Leahy by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell
Snap of the Week
Naval Academy plebes climb the Herndon Monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey