Border security brawl seems near a serene resolution
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Colombian President Ivan Duque in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is set to resolve its clattering brawl with President Donald Trump in uncommonly bipartisan fashion as lawmakers prepare to pass a border security compromise providing a mere sliver of the billions he’s demanded for a wall with Mexico and averting a rekindled government shutdown this weekend.
With Trump’s halfhearted signature widely expected but hardly guaranteed, congressional leaders planned votes Thursday on the sweeping package. Passage first by the Republican-led Senate, then the Democratic-controlled House, was virtually certain, with sizable numbers of both parties’ members set to vote “yes.” Bargainers formally completed the accord moments before midnight Wednesday.
“I’m sure it’s going to pass. I don’t know of any drama,” said House Democrats’ chief vote-counter, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.
Trump’s assent would end a raucous legislative saga that commenced before Christmas and was ending, almost fittingly, on Valentine’s Day. The low point was the historically long 35-day partial federal shutdown, which Trump sparked and was in full force when Democrats took control of the House, compelling him to share power for the first time.
Trump yielded Jan. 25 after public opinion turned against him and congressional Republicans. He’d won not a nickel of the $5.7 billion he’d demanded for his wall but had caused missed paychecks for legions of federal workers and federal contractors and lost services for countless others. It was a political fiasco for Trump and an early triumph for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
The fight left both parties dead set against another shutdown. That sentiment weakened Trump’s hand and fueled the bipartisan deal, a pact that contrasts with the parties’ still-raging differences over health care, taxes and investigations of the president.
The product of nearly three weeks of talks, the agreement provides almost $1.4 billion for new barriers along the boundary. That’s less than the $1.6 billion for border security in a bipartisan Senate bill that Trump spurned months ago, and enough for building just 55 miles of barricades, not the 200-plus miles he’d sought.
Notably, the word “wall” — which fueled many a chant at Trump campaign events and rallies as president — does not appear once in the 1,768 pages of legislation and explanatory materials. “Barriers” and “fencing” are the nouns of choice.
The compromise would also gradually pressure Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to gradually detain fewer unauthorized immigrants. To the dismay of Democrats, it would still leave an agency many of them consider abusive holding thousands more immigrants than it did last year.
The measure contains money for improved surveillance equipment, more customs agents and humanitarian aid for detained immigrants. The overall bill also provides $330 billion to finance dozens of federal agencies for the rest of the year.
Trump has talked for weeks about augmenting the agreement by taking executive action to divert money from other programs for wall construction, without congressional sign-off. He might declare a national emergency, which has drawn opposition from both parties, or invoke other authorities to tap funds targeted for military construction, disaster relief and counterdrug efforts.
Those moves could prompt congressional resistance or lawsuits, but would help assuage supporters dismayed that the president is yielding.
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who leads the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, told reporters “it would be political suicide” if Trump signs the agreement and did nothing else to find added money.
The measure was expected to be carried by pragmatists from both parties. Many of Congress’ most liberal members were expected to oppose it, unwilling to yield an inch to Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, while staunch conservatives preferred a bill that would go further.
“I made a promise to my community that I wouldn’t fund ICE,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., a freshman who’s become a face of her party’s left wing and a leading proponent of eliminating the agency.
Though Trump lost the highest-profile issue at stake, he all but declared victory Wednesday.
At the White House, he contended that a wall “is being built as we speak.” Work on a small stretch of barriers is due to start this month in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley under legislation Congress approved last year.
Swallowing the deal would mark a major concession by Trump, who has spent months calling the situation at the southern border a national security crisis.
In private conversations, Trump has called the congressional bargainers poor negotiators, said a person familiar with the conversations who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly. Trump has also made clear that he wanted more money for the wall and has expressed concern the plan is being framed as a defeat for him in the media.
Trump has repeatedly vowed Mexico would pay for the wall, a suggestion that country has spurned. His descriptions of the wall’s size have fluctuated, at times saying it would cover 1,000 of the 2,000-mile boundary. Previous administrations constructed over 650 miles of barriers.
Facing opposition from Trump, Democrats lost their bid to include language giving federal contractors back pay for wages lost during the last shutdown. Federal workers have been paid for time they were furloughed or worked without paychecks.
Also omitted was an extension of the Violence Against Women Act. Democrats say this will give them a chance later this year to add protections for transgender people to that law.
Comments
Just sign a C.R. and save 11 billion for the taxpayer. Tell them to keep their 1100 page budget, as they reject many, many things in this budget, that pertains to Boarder Security. As a matter of fact, this budget protects MS13, and provides more money for illegal entry. This Bill is horrible.
As for lies? You can not deny the inflow of drugs from Mexico, nor can you deny the threat of MS13, and many other dangerous character just pouring in to this country. To ignore all this, is perhaps immoral. As for Germany and Italy? They fell to the ideas of having a strong central government and strict control of industry and the people, Fascism was a reaction to the perceived failure of free market economics. The Democrats of today are the Party of Socialists. Let's get that straight, and socialism is a kinder way to say communism.
German Fascism was embraced by the National Socialist German Workers Party, this sounds like the Union Democrats and the Marx like Solidarity chanting Democrats under Obama, the Community Organizer... recall... OWS, Supporter of the Arab Spring, Resist, Move On, Ferguson, Tryvon, Michael Brown, Baltimore, Black Lives Matter, all these useful idiots were called to battle by one who issued 276 executive orders. Don't come around here declaring Trump to be a dictator because his one (1) National Emergency. The lie being repeated over and over, was collusion. Bwah ha ha ha ha, and that has been proved "Fake".
Oh, the Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, and the European wars of religion, were all deeply political conflicts at the core, not religious ones. Learn your history as it truly happened, and stop parroting lies.
It's the progressives among the Democrat Party who wish to change history, heck they even redefine words, like gay originally meant feelings of being "carefree," "happy". Taxes became taxes "revenue enhancements. Racism is no longer based on religion, color, creed but on political orientation, and anyone who challenges the liberal left's agenda is branded a "racist." Creating new definitions for existing words helps progressive Democrats redefine society into newly created classifications of perceived disenfranchised individuals they promise to protect, while fundamentally changing America. Again, these disenfranchised ones are, as Marx referred to them as the Useful Idiots, it appears you're willing to be one too.
Good Day Tammy
Again for you mentally challenged Trumpism idiots.
These where not a declared "National Emergencies" these where executive orders which is not a declared National Emergency what an idiot. I do understand a BS artist when one speaks or writes junk. Look into facts who else tried to declare a National Emergency.
The days of democracy are coming to an end under the Trumpism regime and all the idiots and mentally challenged people who adore him like the fools that adored their Fuhrer and Il Duce.
Sieg Heil now through out your 1 arm salute like good Trumpism boys. Go get your Bimbos rent them out to make more morons for your leaders.
Please tell me why this wall is a big issue for you folks on the left? What threat comes from the Wall? I hear comments like "Unconstitutional" and "Abuse of Power", much like I claimed about much of Obama's Executive Orders. However, when Obama tried to unilaterally grant amnesty to 4 million illegal aliens, I saw that as circumvention of our immigration law. That concerned me. You wouldn't know this, because the government press didn't report it, but, the Obama administration did things (through executive action) it had previously determined it could not do legally.
Obama Used Executive Action in direct opposition to the law.
Here's a list of Unconstitutional actions by Boy Barry.
Ignoring Federal law requiring that each state be notified when/where refuges are being placed in their state. Article II Section 3
In direct violation of ACA Law ( Section 36B ) ordered subsidies be paid under Federal Exchange. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
Ignored law by taking Iran Deal to UN prior to 60-day review period mandated by Iran Nuclear Agreement Review, and failed to turn over side agreements as outlined. – “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3
Ignored Congressional Treaty Powers. Article II Section 1, Article II Section 2
Operation Choke Point program – Direct infringement on 2nd Amendment.
Violated statute on “Material Support of Terrorism” by returning top terrorists back to terrorist organizations. Article II Section 3; Dereliction of Duty Article II Section 4
Violated Appropriations Act (DOD Section 8111) – GAO report; Article II Section 3
Ignored law that requires Congress be notified prior to any detainees being moved from Guantanamo. “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3
Using EPA to “legislate” over States, Congress, and Federal Court; Article II Section 3; Article I Section 8; Direct violation of Presidential Oath.
Appointed 24+ Federal agency czars without advice and consent of the Senate; Violation of Article II Section 2
Used Executive Privilege in regards to Fast & Furious gun running scandal. When Government misconduct is the concern Executive privilege is negated.
23 Executive Orders on gun control – infringement of the 2nd Amendment
Exposed identity and methods of operation of a Navy SEALs team – Illegal for a President to reveal classified military secrets. Article II Section 3
2 Executive actions mandating private health information on patients be turned over to NICS – Violation of HIPPA law.
1) Executive Order bypassing Congress on immigration – Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress; Article II Section 3; Article I Section 8
2) Unilaterally issued new exemptions to immigration restrictions law that bars certain asylum-seekers and refugees who provided “limited material support” to terrorists. – Article 1 Section 1; Article I Section 8 Congress shall have the Power..to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization.
Issued directive instructing ICE to NOT enforce immigration laws in certain cases. Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress; “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3; Article I Section 8
3) Release of convicted illegal aliens ordered in direct opposition to law-Article II Section 3
Expanded executive action for amnesty to illegal immigrant relatives of DREAM Act beneficiaries. Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress; “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3; Article I Section 8
4) Executive action directing DHS that almost all immigration offenses were unenforceable absent a separate criminal conviction. Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress; “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3; Article I Section 8
Ignoring Law (2006 Secure Fence Act) “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3
5) Used DOJ to ignore section 8 of the Voting Rights Act. ” he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3
6) Used DOJ to prevent Arizona and Alabama from enforcing immigration laws. – 10th Amendment
Information memorandum telling states that they can waive the work requirement for welfare recipients, thereby altering the 1996 welfare reform law. – Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress.
7) Used NLRB to dictate to a business where they can do business. (Boeing Dreamliner Plant). No Constitutional authority to do so.
NDAA – Section 1021. Due process Rights negated. Violation of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Amendments.
8) Executive Order 13603 NDRP – Government can seize anything
9) Executive Order 13524 – Gives INTERPOL jurisdiction on American soil beyond law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
10) Executive Order 13636 Infrastructure Cybersecurity – Bypassing Congress Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress
11) Attempt to tax political contributions – 1st Amendment
12) DOMA Law – Obama directed DOJ to ignore the Constitution and separation of powers and not enforce the law. ” he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,” Article II Section 3
Dodd-Frank – Due process and separation of powers. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau writing and interpreting law. Article. I. Section. 1
14) Drone strikes on American Citizens – 5th Amendment Due process Rights negated
15) Bypassed Congress and gave EPA power to advance Cap-n-Trade
16) Attempt for Graphic tobacco warnings (under appeal) – 1st Amendment
17) Four Exec. appointments – Senate was NOT in recess (Court has ruled unconstitutional yet the appointees still remain)
18) Obama took Chairmanship of UN Security Council – Violation of Section 9.
ACA (Obamacare) mandate – SCOTUS rewrote legislation and made it a tax because there is no Constitutional authority for Congress to force Americans to engage in commerce. SCOTUS has no authority to Legislate or lay taxes. Article I Section 1 & 8.
19) Contraceptive, abortifacients mandate violation of First Ammendment
Healthcare waivers – No president has dispensing powers
Refuses to acknowledge state’s 10th Amendment rights to nullify Obamacare
20) Going after states (AZ lawsuit) for upholding Federal law (immigration) -10th Amendment.
21) Chrysler Bailout -TARP – violated creditors rights and bankruptcy law, as well as Takings and Due Process Clauses – 5th Amendment (G.W. Bush also illegally used TARP funds for bailouts)
The Independent Payment Advisory Board (appointees by the president). Any decisions by IPAB will instantly become law starting in 2014 – Separation of Powers, Article 1 Section 1.
22) Congress did not approve Obama’s war in Libya. Article I, Section 8, First illegal war U.S. has engaged in. Impeachable under Article II, Section 4; War Powers Act – Article II Section 3.
23) Obama falsely claims UN can usurp Congressional war powers.
24) Obama has acted outside the constitutional power given him – this in itself is unconstitutional.
25) Bribery of Senator Ben Nelson and Senator Mary Landrey. (Cornhusker Kickback and Louisiana Purchase) Article II, Section 4.
26) With the approvalof Obama, the NSA and the FBI are tapping directly into the servers of 9 internet companies to gain access to emails, video/audio, photos, documents, etc. This program is code named PRISM. NSA also collecting data on all phone calls in U.S. – Violation of 4th Amendment.
27) Directed signing of U.N. Firearms treaty – 2nd Amendment.
28) The Senate/Obama immigration bill (approved by both) raises revenue – Section 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives
29) Obama altered law – (A president has no authority to alter law) Delayed upholding the Employer Mandate Law (ACA) until 2015 – Individual Mandate will be enforced. A President does not have that authority – Article. I. Section. 1. All legislative Powersherein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States; The president “shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed” -Article II, Section 3; Equal Protection Clause -14th Amendment.
30) Obama altered law – ACA Medicare cuts delayed until 2015. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
31) Obama altered law – Enforcement of eligibility requirements for ACA delayed until 2015. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
32) Obama wavered ACA Income Verification Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
33) Obama altered law – Delayed ACA caps on out of pocket expenses until 2015. (when implemented premiums will skyrocket) Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
34) Obama ignored judicial order to fulfill legal obligation regarding Yucca Mountain waste. Article II, Section 3
35) Waived Federal provision that prevents U.S. From arming terrorist groups – Article I. Section 1; Impeachable under Article III, Section 3.
36) Directed State Department HS to ignore law barring entry to U.S. those giving political or charitable aid to known terrorist groups. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
37) Obama shelves part of the ACA Law for Insurers, extending the life of non-qualifying (according to ACA) plans until Jan. 1, 2015. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3. Violation of the Take Care Clause, Separation of Powers.
38) Obama waved ACA individual mandate for those that lost their insurance. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3. Violation of the Take Care Clause, Separation of Powers.
39) Obama alters ACA law and exempts companies employing between 50-100 full-time workers from business mandate until 2016. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3.
In total, Obama has unilaterally altered ACA 24 times. Article. I. Section. 1; Article II, Section 3. 40) Violation of the Take Care Clause, Separation of Powers.
1) the Bowe Bergdahl trade for 5 taliban, Rose Garden press con?
2) $1.3B overnight to Iran not through Congress, in cash, to be used against US (Kerry- some against us in terror).
These were not National Emergencies , but, these were terrible.
Thanks for serving our Nation in Bravery, through your Military Service. Three of our sons served, two saw much battle. Bergdahl was a slap in the face to our soldiers, and it was intended to be just that. Heck, the Kenyan (obama) never even served as a Cub Scout. The Kenyan Kid was a fraud.
As for the Iran Deal... I went to DC in protest of that. I met Louie Gohmert at that rally, among other fine Patriots. Trump was also there, though he wasn't one I embraced at the time. The Iran deal was Obama's way of telling us all who he is... intentionally!
During the 2008 Presidential campaign Barack Obama told audiences, "Judge me by the people with whom I surround myself."
Valerie Jarret... 2016, he made clear who he is through the Iran Deal. I knew who he was in 2008.
Now we must undo all that he has done to destroy the Republic... if possible, so God help us!