WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved Tuesday the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill for the next fiscal year, which includes the full funding requested by President Donald Trump to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The bill sets aside $1.6 billion in infrastructure funds, including $498 million for a new 28-mile levee wall along the Rio Grande Valley. The legislation also would allow the hiring of 500 additional border patrol agents and 1,000 new officers for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., serves on the Appropriations Committee.
“As Americans, the security of our nation must come first,” Jenkins said in a press release. “While we have a proud history of welcoming immigrants, we also have a responsibility to secure and strengthen our borders to protect our nation and our fellow citizens.”
The proposal also includes $7.3 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief account; $345 million dedicated to firefighters grants for resources such as equipment and training; and $345 million for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants.