WASHINGTON — Days before the deadline for another partial federal shutdown, congressional leaders said they've struck a tentative deal to fund the government.
- No details have been given on deal to avoid shutdown
- Source says deal only includes $1.4B for "barriers"
- Trump had wanted more than $5B for wall with Mexico
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"We reached an agreement in principle between us on Homeland Security and on the other six bills," said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala).
The four lead lawmakers did not give specifics on the settlement but did admit some flexibility was needed from both parties.
"There's not a single one of us who is going to get every single thing we want. But nobody does, and we're going to get what is best for the United States," Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said.
President Donald Trump was given the update shortly before taking the stage at a rally Monday night in Texas.
"They said that progress is being made with this committee. Just so you know, we're building the wall anyway," exclaimed the president.
A source says the deal includes almost $1.4 billion for physical "barriers" covering about 55 miles.
The president had wanted $5.7 billion for a wall, which he told supporters while running for office that Mexico would pay for. Talk of a so-called wall has, in recent months, been described by government officials as steel "slats," physical "barriers," smart "fences."
A White House official says aides are digesting the details, with nothing set in stone. However, some people see this as a step in the right direction.
"It is very encouraging news for the country that they appear to be in agreement in principle," said David Gergen, a former presidential adviser.
However, at least one Democrat disagreed.
"(Trump's) call for a concrete wall or anything that resembles that should never happen, because it's a waste of money, it will be ineffective, and because the minute we do that, we're going to fundamentally change the notion of what America is," said former HUD Secretary and Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro.
Trump will need to sign the agreement by midnight Friday to avert the shutdown.