The Pentagon has confirmed that they are weighing their options on building the border wall should President Trump declare it an emergency.
That includes the materials and other options open to them and where the money will come from. It is beginning to look like the emergency declaration is more a matter of when than if it will be done. The Democrats steadfastly refuse to protect the American people and it looks like Trump will have to do it on his own.
A Pentagon spokesperson said:
“The Department of Defense is reviewing available authorities and funding mechanisms to identify options to enable border barrier construction. As there has not been such a declaration made, it would be inappropriate to comment further on those efforts.”
Democrats vowed to challenge the declaration in court.
“I urge President Trump not to siphon taxpayer money away from military construction or family housing or vital waterway infrastructure for his wall,” Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said Thursday night. “If congressional Republicans go along with this so-called emergency, future presidents will undoubtedly try and make similar end runs around Congress’s constitutional authority. So I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will take the long view and do what is best for our nation, not just one Administration.”
Trump is considering a declaration of a national emergency as a way to free up funds for a border wall if talks with Democrats fail to yield a deal on his signature issue.
Trump’s declaration of an emergency at the southern border would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to design barriers and allow contracts to build them. Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, who commands the corps, accompanied Trump on his trip Thursday to tour the border in Texas, according to the White House.
Trump suggested Thursday that the declaration could happen at anytime. Talks to end the partial shutdown of the federal government between Trump and Democratic leaders fell apart Wednesday over border security.
“If this doesn’t work out, probably I will do it – I would almost say definitely,” Trump said. “We have plenty of funds if there’s a national emergency.”