Trump administration requests $5 billion for 'steel barrier'

On Sunday, Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Russell Vought sent congressional leaders a letter requesting $5 billion for a "steel barrier on the Southwest border," saying the White House believes a "physical barrier — wall — creates an enduring capability that helps field personnel stop, slow down, and/or contain illegal entries."

The Trump administration also asked for $800 million for "urgent humanitarian needs." Negotiations to end the partial government shutdown, now more than two weeks old, went nowhere over the weekend, as President Trump continues to demand money for a border wall; Democrats have called the wall immoral and say other border security measures would actually work.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that this week, she plans on passing individual bills that will reopen certain agencies, The Associated Press reports. First on her list is the Treasury Department, so people will be able to receive tax refunds.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up