Saturday, May 11, 2019
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
The Pentagon is shifting $1.5 billion in funds originally targeted for support of the Afghan security forces and other projects to help pay for construction of nearly 80 miles of wall at the U.S.-Mexican border, officials said Friday.
Congress was notified of the move Friday. It follows the Pentagon’s decision in March to transfer $1 billion from Army personnel budget accounts to support wall construction. Some lawmakers have been highly critical of the Pentagon shifting money not originally authorized for border security.
The combined total of $2.5 billion is in response to President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the border, where Customs and Border Protection personnel are struggling to cope with increasing numbers of Central American families attempting to gain entry.
Trump vetoed Congress’ attempt to reverse his emergency declaration.
In all, the Pentagon is expected to shift about $6.1 billion to help build a border wall, including about $3.6 billion from military construction projects, some of which will be delayed. The Pentagon has not yet announced which projects will be delayed in order to free up those funds.
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, who plans to visit the border today, said in an exchange with reporters Friday: “I won’t be reprogramming any more money for the border wall.”
He appeared to be referring to having reached the goal of channeling $2.5 billion – Friday’s announcement coupled with the March transfer of money – into a counterdrug program that will be used for the wall.