RELEASE
Appropriations Committee Funds Border Wall
Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after passage of the FY2018 House Appropriations Homeland Security bill:
“I have been working for years to secure our border and I’m pleased to finally work with a president who is committed to securing our border and protecting Americans. While some attempt to portray this as empty political rhetoric we know the truth, that a majority of the American people want us to secure our borders.
Simply put, Border security is national security. President Trump promised he would secure the border and we are going to help him do just that. But this isn’t President Trump’s wall, this is America’s wall, and today we are keeping our promise to our constituents to better secure our nation’s borders.”
The Homeland Security Appropriations bill provides $1.6 billion for the border wall, fully meeting the Administration’s request. Overall the bill will provide $51.1 billion to be used towards providing additional security to our borders, which is $1.9 billion above last years level. Of the $51.1 billion, $13.8 billion will be used to ensure national security by funding America’s wall, hiring more Border Patrol agents, and purchasing necessary technology that will be used along our borders.
Additionally, $10.5 billion is authorized for the U.S. Coast Guard and will provide a pay increase, improve operations and training, and modernize Coast Guard ships. The bill will also provide $7 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help fight human trafficking, drug smuggling, and child exploitation. The legislation mirrors President Trump’s request for disaster relief and emergency response activities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at $6.8 billion.
7/18/17
Magnolia Tribune
