Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) is being praised by President Donald Trump for his leadership in securing an “agreement in principle” between Congressional Republicans and Democrats on a border security and government funding package.
The president took to Twitter Tuesday evening to applaud Shelby as “hard working.”
Was just presented the concept and parameters of the Border Security Deal by hard working Senator Richard Shelby. Looking over all aspects knowing that this will be hooked up with lots of money from other sources….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2019
Shelby, as the vice-chair of the bicameral conference committee tasked with reaching a border security compromise and through his historic service as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a vital role in ending the stalemate and possibly avoiding another partial government shutdown.
Trump also took time to highlight that the deal was made knowing that “lots of money from other sources” will supplement the money for a border wall – or physical “barrier” – appropriated by Congress.
Additionally, the overall amount of funding approved for border security measures in general – including increased staffing, monitoring and technology upgrades – was impressive.
“Will be getting almost $23 BILLION for Border Security,” Trump emphasized.
Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, one of the architects of the proposal, stressed “this is a down payment” for border barriers.
— NPR (@NPR) February 12, 2019
Trump has hinted at declaring a national emergency over border security previously, and he could still do so after the deal is passed by Congress in order to use emergency funds to supplement the amount of money available to build the wall on the nation’s southern border.
Good work, @SenShelby! https://t.co/CXgK9wEq5R
— Bradley Byrne (@BradleyByrne) February 12, 2019
The president’s comments on Twitter came shortly after he and Shelby spoke on the phone Tuesday.
Senate Approps Chair Richard Shelby tells reporters he just got off the phone with President Trump.
Briefed him on the details of the agreement, said POTUS didn’t make any commitments one way or the other, but said he would study the agreement— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) February 12, 2019
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
