Cuellar responds to Trump's demand that budget fund border wall

Government shutdown possible

SAN ANTONIO – With a government shutdown looming, one South Texas congressman weighed in on what appears to be the sticking point in the negotiations among the House, Senate and the White House.

President Donald Trump's campaign promised a border wall.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar was visiting District 26 for an unrelated function, but the business of the country and the budget battle in Washington, D.C., got the most attention.

RELATED: President's budget cuts could cost SA loss of roughly $18M

Right now, lawmakers are trying to figure out an agreement on how to keep the government open.

Cuellar said that the president would punish the American people by shutting the government if the budget does not include funding for the wall.

"I hope the president isn't playing chicken, where he might be affecting education, transportation, the military, all sectors of the economy, because he is insistent,” Cuellar said. “We cannot shut down the government for this last-minute demand he's putting in at the last minute."

READ MORE: Trump's budget chief says money for border wall a must

Cuellar’s district includes 280 miles of U.S.-Mexico border.

“I think the construction of the wall is going to continue to be an area that moves forward," White House Press Secretary Sean Spice said.

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican who represents more than 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, said building a wall isn't the best way to curb illegal immigration.

"I've said time and time again that building a wall from sea to shining sea is the most expensive and least effective way to secure the border," he said. "While physical barriers are one of many tools applicable to urban environments, gaining operational control of the entire southern border will require a sector-by-sector approach that adequately empowers the men and women on the ground with technology, resources and manpower.  Additionally, I believe that an expenditure this large, submitted with limited details, deserves extra scrutiny, which is why I requested specific details from DHS in March.

"Furthermore, during a time that threats are increasing around the world, it would be nothing short of reckless to risk a government shutdown. I look forward to reviewing the final spending bill and working with my colleagues to secure our border without risking our national security further."

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