UnidosUS: GOP Attempt to Force Americans to Foot $1.6 Billion to Fund Unpopular and Immoral Border Wall Is Unacceptable

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WASHINGTON, DC—Despite widespread public opposition to taxpayer funding of a border wall, the House Republican leadership will push this week for a vote on a funding package that includes $1.6 billion for construction of Trump’s costly and unnecessary wall.

“The border and interior enforcement funding proposal being pushed by Republicans is an attempt to force the funding of Trump’s ridiculous border wall—a project that is not only incredibly unpopular with most Americans, but one that will stick us all with a hefty tax bill. Taxpayers and Americans deserve better,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía.

This smaller package, known as a “minibus,” lumps the $1.6 billion for a border wall with funding for defense, military construction, and veterans affairs, among others. The move is unusual and it is a clear attempt to circumvent longstanding procedures on Department of Homeland Security funding that traditionally has Homeland Security appropriators working in bipartisan fashion to fund the agency’s programs.

“This move is a clear attempt to pull a fast one on the American people and to put members of Congress in a situation where they are forced to vote for the wall in order to fund other important security programs in order to foist Trump’s agenda of intolerance onto the American people. That is unacceptable,” Murguía continued.

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers at the national and local levels. For almost 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.