Trump wants more border money from Congress. But it's not for the wall.

(Image credit: Pete Marovich / Getty Images)

published 1 May 2019

The Trump administration is likely headed toward another stalemate with Congress after requesting $4.5 billion in emergency funds to address what President Trump considers a humanitarian crisis at the southern border of the United States. But unlike past requests, the White House reportedly does not want to use the money to construct a border wall.

Instead, USA Today reports, the money would be spent on housing facilities, medical treatment, food, and infant care for immigrants detained at the border, where conditions have been criticized by politicians and human rights groups alike.

Still, it is expected that Democratic members Congress will put up a fight against Trump's request because of the White House's overarching stance on immigration. For example, Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), the chair of the House Appropriations committee criticized the request for doubling down on "cruel and ill-conceived policies," specifically mentioning family separation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement overspending on detention beds. That said, Lowey also said the committee will work with the White House "where possible." Tim O'Donnell

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Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.

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